Power trio appears at subcommittee meeting The three most powerful politicians in Salem appeared together — virtually — on Monday for a Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education hearing. Gov. Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, and Kotek spoke in support of their joint proposal for a $250 million summer learning and childcare package. Supporters say the program will help thousands of Oregon children catch up on learning and socializing after a year of mostly virtual schooling. The legislation "will set our kids up for success by letting them be kids again, in environments that foster creativity, learning, and joy," Brown said.