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Senate floor remonstrances: bottle-deposit costs, National Guard deployment, PERS and 'disconnect' tax debated
Summary
On the Senate floor senators raised consumer concerns about Oregon's bottle-deposit system, expressed support for National Guard troops deployed to Portland, warned of a projected PERS contribution spike and debated a proposed 'disconnect' income-tax change.
Several senators used floor time during the Oregon Senate special session on Sept. 30 to raise distinct policy concerns ranging from consumer costs to troop deployments and state fiscal pressure.
Senator Robinson described a consumer example at a Home Depot: a 24-pack of half-liter water bottles priced at $3.98 with an additional, undisplayed bottle-deposit of $2.40 for the pack. She argued that collecting deposits takes time and asked whether the bottle bill's time cost and litter reduction benefits had been measured.
Senator Patterson thanked the Oregon National Guard for pandemic service and said units from Salem and Woodburn were being asked to go to Portland on an 80-day tour; he expressed solidarity with service members and said he believed there was no current threat necessitating armed military in Portland.
Senator Gerard warned that PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) contributions could increase by about 10% beginning in 2027, a change he said would affect the state budget, school districts and local governments and require budget adjustments.
Senator MacLean urged colleagues to oppose a policy called "disconnect," which would change state income definitions relative to federal definitions, saying it could tax income categories such as tips and overtime that are currently treated differently under the state's connection to federal definitions.
These remarks preceded later floor business, including confirmations and the adoption of a resolution adjourning the special session.
