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LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2016 Oregon lawmakers pass housing bills as session ends GOP member grouses about one-party rule Comment By Kristena Hansen The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Kristena Hansen The Associated Press Posted Mar. 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM By Kristena Hansen The Associated Press Posted Mar. 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM » Social News SALEM — The Oregon Legislature adjourned three days early Thursday afternoon but not before undertaking some unfinished business, including approval of legislation intended to make it easier for low-income people to afford housing, one of Democrats' last significant policy issues of the year. Lawmakers wrapped things up by approving two housing-related bills, one that allows cities to mandate that affordable housing units be included in some new developments, and another that expands the state's housing supply for low-income families through certain programs. They also passed a proposal to double the statewide tourist lodging tax to help subsidize a world track championship in Eugene in 2021, among other legislation. The Democrats — who have a majority in both chambers — proclaimed themselves satisfied with the legislation that had passed. "In January, I announced my priorities for 2016 — education, equity, economy, and preparedness," Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement following adjournment. "Today, as our legislative session comes to a close, I am pleased to announce that it's only March and we have already made great gains to turn these priorities into realities." Lawmakers also ironed out the state's marijuana laws in preparation for next year's full implementation of its new recreational pot system; knocked down courtroom barriers for rape victims by removing the existing 12-year statute of limitations and requiring authorities to test rape kits; and expanded legal protections for whistleblowers in public agencies and nonprofits. The 2016 Legislative session, however, will be most noted for passing some trailblazing legislation, such as raising the state's current $9.25 minimum wage to nearly $15 in six years and do so through an unprecedented tiered system based on geography, a bill that Brown signed into law Wednesday. Lawmakers also passed a massive pro-climate package on Wednesday that makes Oregon the first in the U.S. to phase-out coal from its energy supply through legislative action, and puts the state among the top five states with renewable energy mandates of 50 percent or more. By passing those policies, Democrats say they avoided at least some of the more aggressive measures being threatened for the November ballot by special interest groups. Senate President Peter Courtney, a moderate Democrat from Salem, echoed some of the Republicans' concerns about shaping policy around special interests and ballot threats, especially in a speedy monthlong session. "The forces at play outside have become much more powerful in our political lives ... That's serious big stuff we're trying to do, a big heavy lift in a short period," Courtney said. "More and more, the initiative process is being used to create major public policy in the state of Oregon and I really don't like it." Republicans in both chambers pushed back against the minimum wage and coal bills from the beginning of the session, using stall tactics to slow down the entire legislative process. "The absence of annoyance is not political victory," said House Minority Leader Mike McLane. "This constitution allows for checks and balances in our government. And when one party runs the state, there's an absence of check and balance. That is not healthy. And so the minority party often has to be that check and balance." By Kristena Hansen The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Kristena Hansen The Associated Press Posted Mar. 3, 2016 at 6:00 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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