Oregon lawmakers gathered in Salem on Tuesday for the start of the 2025 legislative session. They’ll have five months to tackle the state’s pressing challenges, including passing a two-year budget. Last month, Governor Kotek unveiled a budget proposal that boosts spending on her top priorities such as building more affordable housing, combating homelessness and funding for K-12 schools. 

Lawmakers are also expected to pass a multibillion-dollar transportation package to shore up the state’s aging bridges and crumbling roads and highways. And although Democrats narrowly won a supermajority in the legislature, they may still face resistance from Republicans who have competing visions on education, public safety and addressing the housing crisis. Joining us to discuss all this and more is OPB political reporter Dirk VanderHart.