Policy Committees Wrap Work with Final Deadline
The sprint toward the finish line begins this week in the Oregon Legislature, but nobody is quite sure where the finish line will be.
Ryan Tribbett excels at helping policymakers understand the real-world human impact proposed bills and regulations have on his clients. Regardless of political swings, Ryan’s ability to translate client needs into a viable political strategy has helped Pac/West Public Affairs clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges previously seen as insurmountable. Ryan’s coalition-building skills have led to the development of key state programs like Connect Oregon, where millions have been invested in roads, rail, bridges, and ports to move Oregon’s commodities to domestic and global markets. Ryan’s expertise comes from knowing the legislative process and his strong relationships with leaders in both political parties of the Oregon Legislature and the Governor’s Office.
Ryan has more than two decades of government affairs experience working on legislative and business issues related to economic development, critical transportation infrastructure, apprenticeships, labor law, contracting code, capital construction funding, local governments, and procurement. Before becoming a lobbyist, Ryan was a policy advisor and chief of staff in the Oregon State Senate and managed campaigns and field operations for regional and statewide candidates and ballot measures.
The sprint toward the finish line begins this week in the Oregon Legislature, but nobody is quite sure where the finish line will be.
A political version of an ‘atmospheric river’ descended over the Oregon Capitol this week, threatening to grind the legislative session to a halt and endangering a plethora of bills awaiting action in the Senate. The week kicked off with the stunning news that Secretary of State Shemia Fagan was resigning after a slew of reports surfaced about moonlighting as a cannabis consultant that conflicted with her public responsibilities.
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan was thrust into the media spotlight last week when it was revealed she has been moonlighting as a consultant for a cannabis company that has been under legal and political fire in Oregon.
After two weeks of full floor sessions, legislators returned their focus to committees last week as they began ramping up for the second committee deadlines. These next two weeks will be critical as bills must be posted for a work session by May 5 and heard by May 19 as we prepare for the final push.
Most committees worked at full speed for weeks ahead of the April 4 deadline to fill the funnel with bills. At our count, the Monday before the deadline, there were 682 bills heard or voted on in the previous seven days. Now it is up to the Senate and House to approve that committee-stamped legislation and send it across the building to the other chamber.
After a smooth takeoff and efficient ascension to cruising altitude, the 2023 Oregon Legislative session is beginning to run into turbulence. In recent sessions, bipartisan friction has worked its way into the process from the beginning. However, this year, new leadership in both chambers and the governor’s office helped align priorities early on. But disagreements between the aisles threaten to re-route the flight of some legislation as we pass the first major deadline.

1201 Court St NE
Suite 301
Salem, OR 97301
info@pwlobby.com
245 E. Main St.,
Suite C
Hermiston, OR, 97838
info@pwlobby.com