2021 session over? That means it’s almost time to start the next session

This is the last Capitol View of the 2021 legislative session, but the next session already feels as if it is coming around the corner so I thought I would offer a quick look at the months ahead. 

House Speaker Tina Kotek has asked legislators to hold their calendars open for Sept. 20 for a special session. It looks as if the 10-year redistricting process will need attention given the pandemic-created hurdles. States didn’t get their census information on time, which has delayed the process.   

The Legislature will continue its meetings in September, November and January before the February short session begins. The short session was started to allow technical adjustments to budgets and other policy tweaks that couldn’t wait until the longer regular session every odd-numbered year. Instead, the short sessions have turned into compressed long sessions, with serious policy implications. 

The House Education Committee has formed some interim work groups to discuss issues and get them ready for the full session in 2023. OSBA expects to be involved in groups on career and technical education transitions and High School Success funding, childhood special education services, and a look at the talented and gifted students.

The Senate Education Committee chair has not named any specific work groups for the interim, but we will stay in contact.

I want to thank all of you who helped with the advocacy this session and went the extra mile for your students. Although the virtual world isn’t what we are used to, it did present some opportunities for people to advocate who couldn’t normally get to Salem.

In these changing times, the Legislative Services team will have a different legislative update this year. We are planning two choices via webinar so watch for more information.   

OSBA is coming out in the fall to do some focus group-type talks with school boards. Look for more information after the agenda is finalized. I think it is important to touch base with school board members given the struggles of the past 16 months.  

Have a great summer. 

- Lori Sattenspiel
Legislative Services director