US EditionOregon lawmakers kick off high-stakes session today focused on immigration enforcement, budget cuts, tax overhauls
Lawmakers confront a $900 million budget shortfall, a $297 million transportation gap, and federal immigration enforcement impacts in a five-week session, officials said.
- On Feb. 2, Oregon lawmakers convene in Salem for a short, five-week legislative session with a mandatory adjournment around March 8.
- Facing a growing shortfall, lawmakers say the budget is under immediate strain with a $300 million revenue gap from federal tax changes and a $297 million Oregon Department of Transportation shortfall, while agencies prepared cost-saving measures starting September 2025.
- Lawmakers are proposing revenue measures including raising the state lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife programs and rancher compensation.
- ODOT warned of 470 layoffs and 570 cuts without funding, state agencies must propose up to 5% reductions, and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means co-chairs will hold a public hearing Feb. 3.
- On Feb. 4, an updated revenue forecast will clarify Oregon's fiscal options, as Gov. Tina Kotek emphasizes job growth and advocates support disconnecting from H.R. 1 to prevent deep service cuts.
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Oregon Capital Chronicle
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Oregon House chamber on June 26, 2025. Lawmakers in during the February 2026 session will consider more than 250 proposals and, most urgently, find ways to balance the state budget. (Photo by Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Ninety lawmakers from across Oregon will gather today at the State Capitol in Salem to tackle a host of urgent issues, including balancing the state’s budget amid a looming deficit, keeping the state’s transportation de…
Oregon’s 2026 legislative session: What you need to know
It’s fitting that Oregon’s 2026 legislative session convenes on Groundhog Day. As lawmakers gavel in the five-week session on Monday morning, they — like the protagonist of the 1993 Bill Murray film — are caught in a bit of a time loop.As in 2025’s session, the Legislature faces major questions over how to close a hole in the transportation budget. They’re still staring down big uncertainties about how to stand up fast-approaching campaign finan…
Oregon Senate leaders gear up for packed legislative short session
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Last week, we heard from the leadership in the Oregon House about the upcoming legislative short session. This week, KOIN 6 Political Director Ken Boddie traveled to Salem for a sit-down with leaders in the Senate, including the Senate president, Democrat Rob Wagner and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, a Republican. [...]
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