Oregon Senate president: Votes short on key tax reforms

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Senate President Peter Courtney says there isn’t enough support to successfully approve multi-billion dollar tax reforms on business, transportation and health care.

Those are the top three agenda items that could determine lawmakers’ ability to close a $1.4 billion deficit and pass a balanced budget by July 10, the deadline to end the 2017 legislative session in Salem.

Courtney, a Democrat from Salem, stated his concerns during a Senate floor meeting Friday morning, saying he’s worried time is running out to break the partisan deadlock in his chamber on the three tax proposals.

Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli says that could give his party leverage moving forward to negotiate changes to the health care tax and transportation package.