Itâs difficult to know.
Two key metrics play into that evaluation, and neither occurs in the public eye: 1) How effective the legislator is in influencing other lawmakers on bills and public policy, and 2) How effective the legislator and staff are with constituent service, such as helping solve problems with state agencies.
Today seems an appropriate time to raise this topic, as lawmakers gather by phone and videoconference for committee meetings, prepare for a potential special session and head toward the start of the 2021 Legislature, when a number of new lawmakers will take office.
Having been around the Oregon State Capitol for several decades, I offer these suggestions for how NOT to evaluate legislators, or members of Oregonâs congressional delegation, either:
Credit Chris Lehman / KLCC
For Oregonians that have been struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis, the next few weeks could be dire.
An estimated 70,000 Oregonians are poised to lose their unemployment benefits by the end of the month as federal help expires. At the same time, statewide protections against evictions and foreclosures are also set to lapse at the end of the month.
For thousands of Oregonians, those programs could be the difference between barely hanging on and financial ruin.
There are proposals in the state House to extend the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums beyond their current December 31st expiration date. But for that to happen, legislators need to hammer out a plan for a one-day legislative session.