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SUNNY Temp: 59 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, August 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 6, 2003 Local legislators see hope for compromise The school and social services funding deadlock could end soon, they say By DON JEPSEN for the Mail Tribune SALEM — House and Senate members from Jackson County expressed frustration this week over the glacial pace of the 2003 legislative session, soon to become the longest in Oregon history. But there was also cautious optimism that a break could come in the impasse over funding levels for schools and social services — possibly by the end of the week. Less certain is whether there are enough votes for a tax and revenue package that would pay for the recent additions to the state’s two largest budgets. "If this thing blows up in the next 24 hours, we’re in for a long, long haul," said Rep. Alan Bates, D-Ashland. This is only the third time the Legislature has gone into August. By Friday, this session will become the longest in history. Oregon is the only state without a budget. Advertisement In interviews, members of the Jackson County delegation gave their take on the progress — or lack thereof — of the session. "There’s no sense of urgency," groused Rep. George Gilman, R-Medford. But, he added, "I guess we had to dance the dance." Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, said the lack of progress in June and July prolonged the session after a promising start. He also was critical of Senate President Peter Courtney’s inability to broker an agreement on a budget and revenue package in the Senate, whose party lines are divided evenly at 15-15. Because of term limits, most of the members are new and having to deal with a revenue downturn after more than a decade of good fiscal times. "That mind-set is totally foreign to this Legislature," said Richardson, who is serving his first term. Rep. Rob Patridge, R-Medford, a member of the House Budget Committee, blamed Democrats for stalling the process. "Every time the (budget) hole gets deeper, the Democrats want more money," he said. About the session in general, Patridge had this observation: "To me, it’s disappointing. I don’t think there’s a lot of statesmanship going on." An attorney, Patridge said a supportive employer, Pacific Retirement Services (which operates the Rogue Valley Manor), allows him to serve. Richardson, also an attorney and sole practitioner, credited his staff and understanding clients in supporting his public service career. Despite critical letters to the editor in newspapers about the length and cost of the session, delegation members said they have received few if any complaints from constituents. "My answer would be, ‘I’m being held hostage. Send help fast’," Richardson quipped. Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Jacksonville, who was recently elevated to deputy Republican leader, said a sense of humor has helped him cope. He also is optimistic that stepped-up negotiations on budgets will help end the lengthy session in a couple of weeks. Atkinson and Republican leader Roger Byer of Molalla have been meeting frequently with Courtney, whom Atkinson said he admires, and Senate Democratic leader Kate Brown, D-Portland, to draft acceptable school, social service and public safety budgets. "I’m optimistic we’re going to get closure pretty quick, even though Sen. Brown and I come from completely different (political) universes," he said. Atkinson is less sanguine over passing a major revenue package. "We have to work with what is possible," he said, adding that "at best" it will be a modest tax increase. Senate President Pro Temp Lenn Hannon, R-Ashland, the senior member of the Legislature, also was upbeat about settling on a budget and revenue package in the next two or three weeks and adjourning. "It’s like the House sent us over these (budgets) and said please, send us back a good package. Well, we are," he said. Bates said his frustration was the failure of the Legislature to address the state’s budget and revenue problems earlier. "There was absolutely no reason for this delay," he said. The delay is particularly hard on schools, which are opening in three to four weeks with no idea on how much money will be available to hire teachers, reduce class sizes and fund other expenses. "I think school districts are so disgusted, they don’t even call us anymore," said Bates, a member of the Eagle Point School Board for 10 years. The Ashland physician is home every weekend where he takes a Friday night and Saturday morning shift at the hospital, then sees patients in his office on Sunday before returning to Salem. Despite the grueling schedule, Bates enjoys his legislative duties. "It keeps me alert, keeps me bright. I love it," he said. Don Jepsen is a free-lance writer living in Salem. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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