Bend, OR – The 2025 legislative session in Oregon officially kicks off today, and lawmakers from Central Oregon are gearing up to address the state’s most pressing issues. With key topics like wildfires, transportation, and housing taking center stage, Central Oregon legislators are preparing for a busy and impactful session.
Governor Tina Kotek’s State of the State address last week outlined her priorities for the year, with a particular emphasis on wildfire preparedness, affordable housing solutions, and the state’s deteriorating infrastructure. The governor also highlighted the need for increased funding to address Oregon’s aging roads, a challenge that has become even more urgent as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faces a significant budget shortfall.
Transportation and infrastructure are expected to be at the forefront of discussions, with Kotek proposing additional funding to repair and maintain the state’s roads. However, lawmakers will face difficult decisions about where to allocate resources, and some Democratic legislators are already pushing for tax increases to help bridge the funding gap.
The 2025 session follows the results of last November’s election, which resulted in a supermajority for Democrats in both the Oregon House and Senate. This shift in power will likely influence the approach to key legislative issues, particularly when it comes to funding and tax policies.
In addition to budget discussions, the session marks the start of Senator Anthony Broadman’s tenure in Senate District 27, following his victory over Michael Summers in the race to replace longtime Senator Tim Knopp. Broadman’s election brings fresh leadership to the district, and Central Oregon residents will be watching closely to see how he addresses regional concerns, including transportation and economic development.
As the session unfolds, lawmakers will need to balance the needs of their constituents with the state’s financial realities. While transportation funding and wildfire mitigation are expected to be dominant themes, housing and social services are also likely to be key areas of focus.
Isabella Warren, reporting live from the Oregon State Capitol, will be providing updates throughout the session, bringing insights from Central Oregon’s lawmakers and their plans for the year ahead. Stay tuned to NewsChannel 21 for more coverage as the legislative process progresses.
