Both the Monday, May 15 and Wednesday, May 17 evening meetings of the Joint Transportation Preservation & Modernization (JTPM) Committee continued to focus on recommendations that came from the five workgroups. The goal is to reach a majority decision on recommendations to be included in the initial bill draft. Little progress was made on Wednesday, so the work will continue the week of May 22. Committee leadership continues to stress the tight timelines for drafting and the complexity of the legislation, anticipated to be more than 200 pages. JTPM leadership is looking at holding public hearings before the end of May, and the House vote in early June. To view and follow the committee discussions, click here. Be sure to click on the ‘Meeting Materials’ tab to see the presentation materials.
This is a blockbuster funding package that will have a great positive impact on road capacity, road and bridge maintenance and preservation, transit, safety, ConnectOregon, bike and pedestrian facilities, and accountability. For more information on the scope of the package, click here.
The prognosis for the transportation bill continues to be uncertain. The bill needs to start in the House, and there is a real likelihood of Republican opposition unless a low carbon fuels adjustment is negotiated.
Further complicating the situation is the uncertainty around the general fund budget shortfall and attendant revenue raising discussions.
Right now, there are over 100 bills on the third reading calendar of the House, and about the same number referred to the House Rules Committee. The Legislature is scheduled to close up shop on July 10th. There is a lot to accomplish in the next seven weeks.
Please stay tuned.
Contributed by: Susan Morgan | AOC Transportation Policy Manager