Oregon's 74TH Legislative Session Now Underway

Salem-News.com will have complete coverage of the 2007 Legislative session.

Oregon's 74th Legislature got under way this morning when the House opened for business. Photo: Tim King

(SALEM) - Oregon's 74th Legislature got under way this morning when the House opened for business.

At 8:40 AM, House chief clerk Ramona Kenady asked the 60 members to take their seats and turned over the gavel temporarily to Republican Representative Bob Jenson of Pendleton, the House's senior member.

The Senate was scheduled to start at 9:45 AM.

Democrat Jeff Merkley of Portland was chosen House speaker.

Former Oregon U.S. Senator and Governor Mark Hatfield made a rare public appearance at Monday's opening ceremonies of the 2007 Legislature, swearing in House Speaker-elect Jeff Merkley.

Hatfield is making the rare appearance because Merkley was once an intern in his Senate office

The Democrats have their first majority in the chamber in 16 years, by 31 to 29 margin over Republicans.

Democrat Peter Courtney of Salem was chosen for a third term as Senate president.

In the Senate, Democrats have 18 members, 11 Republicans, and one independent.

Around 10:30 this morning, lawmakers will meet in a joint session to hear Governor Kulongoski, who will be sworn in for a second term deliver his inaugural address.

Following the Inauguration of Governor Ted Kulongoski for his second term as Governor and Commander in Chief of the Oregon National Guard, a ceremony will be held on the steps of the Oregon State Capitol Building.

During the ceremony, Court Street NE between Capitol Street NE and Winter Street NE will be closed to all traffic.

One 19 gun howitzer salute will be performed by the Governor's Honor Battery.

At the end of the volley, four F-15's, will be performing a flyover of the Capitol Building to honor the Governor.

The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM and is open to the public.

Hot topics this session will be school funding, funding for more state troopers, a move to annual sessions, and health care.