The Weight of the Supermajority

When you’re in the majority, you get the keys to the car. But driving it responsibly? That’s a whole other thing—especially when everyone else is watching, and half of them are rooting for you to crash.

Governing for Those Who Didn’t Vote for You

As of January 13, Democrats will once again hold a supermajority in both the House and the Senate in the Oregon Legislature. That kind of power is like holding a winning lottery ticket. It’s exciting, sure, but you’d better know how to manage it—or it’ll slip through your fingers. And governing isn’t just about the people who voted you in; it’s about the people who didn’t. That’s democracy at its best—or at least it should be.

Let’s not kid ourselves. The political minority—not just demographic groups, but voters who feel like the odd man out—isn’t asking for handouts. They’re asking not to be ignored. And when the majority steamrolls its agenda without listening, it’s like handing the opposition the perfect campaign slogan: “They don’t care about you.”

The $39 Billion Question

Enter Governor Tina Kotek’s $39 billion budget proposal, a whopping 17% increase over the previous biennium. That’s not just a spending plan; it’s a statement—one that says, “We’ve got big plans and big wallets.” But here’s the thing: spending more isn’t the same as spending smart. It’s like upgrading to first class on a flight where the plane’s still stuck on the tarmac.

Yes, schools need funding, but throwing money at a problem doesn’t make it go away. It’s results that matter. And then there’s the issue of Oregon’s bureaucratic bottlenecks. Remember the painfully slow rollout of unemployment benefits? Or how wildfire fighters had to beg for basic support? With $39 billion on the line, Oregonians deserve answers—and, more importantly, results.

Balancing Competing Priorities

And let’s talk about priorities. Why spend $684 million on preventing homelessness and homeless shelters without putting at least that much into infrastructure for permanent housing? Shelters are a Band-Aid; homes are the cure. Sure, it feels good to address immediate crises, but without long-term solutions, it’s just kicking the can down the road.

Let’s not pretend this is easy. Democrats have an obligation to their base—that’s politics. But they also have an obligation to everyone else. Why? Because everyone’s paying into this system, whether they live in Portland’s Pearl District or a small farm in Tillamook. Governing isn’t just about representation; it’s about fairness.

Oregonians aren’t stupid. They’ve been patient—some might say too patient. But patience isn’t infinite. If the majority can’t deliver real results, they’re setting themselves up for a reckoning. We’re talking about a state that struggles to get money to laid-off workers, firefighters, and those on paid leave—despite record spending. At some point, voters will demand better.

Budgets as Moral Documents

Budgets, as the saying goes, are moral documents. They’re blueprints of what we value and who we prioritize. So what does this budget say? Right now, it’s a $39 billion question mark. Can Democrats prove they’re capable of governing for everyone, not just the urban centers and progressive activists? If they can’t, they’re not just failing Republicans or Independents—they’re failing Oregon.

Here’s my challenge to the majority party: prove the cynics wrong. Govern with integrity. Invest wisely. Make the tough calls that show you’re thinking about the next generation, not just the next election. Build shelters, sure, but build homes too. And don’t forget the water systems, broadband networks, and other infrastructure that rural communities need to thrive. Leadership isn’t just about pleasing your voters; it’s about earning the trust of the ones who didn’t vote for you.

The Role of the Minority Party

Let’s be honest: being in the minority isn’t easy. You don’t have the votes or the spotlight, and it can feel like your voice doesn’t carry. But that’s no excuse to sit back and watch. I’m a Republican, and I know this firsthand. We have a responsibility to show up, work hard, and deliver for the people who depend on us to be their voice.

Collaborative Opportunities

First, we must find common ground where it exists. Oregon’s wildfire crisis demands bipartisan solutions. Democrats and Republicans alike can rally behind increasing funding for wildfire prevention, ensuring firefighters have the resources they need, and creating sustainable land management policies. Broadband expansion is another shared priority; connecting rural communities to modern infrastructure is an issue that transcends party lines and benefits the entire state.

Education, too, provides room for collaboration. Both sides agree that students deserve better outcomes, so let’s focus on accountability measures for school funding and policies that empower local school boards to address their communities’ unique challenges. Working together here doesn’t just help our kids—it shows Oregonians that bipartisan governance is still possible.

Amplifying Minority Voices

At the same time, the minority party must shine a light on the issues being neglected. Rural Oregon often feels like an afterthought in state policies. We need to be vocal advocates for infrastructure projects in these communities, from repairing aging roads and bridges to improving water systems. Let’s ensure that tax dollars don’t just flow to urban centers but support the backbone of our agricultural and coastal economies.

We also need to stand firm on fiscal responsibility. With a $39 billion budget, it’s our duty to question whether every dollar is being spent wisely. Are new programs duplicating existing efforts? Are agencies delivering measurable results? These aren’t just partisan questions; they’re the kinds of questions every taxpayer deserves to have answered.

Finally, we must be the voice for those who feel left out of the political process. Whether it’s small business owners burdened by excessive regulation or families struggling with rising housing costs, we have to make sure their stories are heard. These aren’t just “Republican” issues—they’re Oregon issues, and it’s our job to make them a priority.

Leading by Example

Our role isn’t just to challenge the majority party; it’s to represent the values and priorities of the people who sent us here. We owe it to them to fight for a better Oregon, together. By collaborating on shared goals and championing overlooked issues, we can demonstrate that the minority party is not just relevant but essential to good governance.

A Vision for the Future

Oregonians deserve a budget that doesn’t just speak to one side of the aisle but addresses the needs of the entire state. Supermajorities are fleeting. Legacies, though? They’re built on the ability to look beyond partisanship and lead with fairness, prudence, and vision.

The ball’s still in your court, Democrats. Let’s see what you’ve got.