With Tuesday’s release of the revenue forecast, which gives lawmakers an additional $150 million to spend over the next biennium, the rumors started mounting that legislative leaders are now aiming for a June 14^th end to the 2007 legislative session.  In recent sessions budget debates and tug-of-wars over limited funds have kept the legislature in session as late as Labor Day.

An early end to session is obviously welcome news for those who have to travel to Salem every day and who would actually like to get out and enjoy the Oregon nature they are working to protect.

But this does increase the pressure to make sure that our Priorities continue to move so they can actually pass before the gavel falls.  We will continue to keep up the pressure, and I hope you will too.  Things move really quickly as we near the end of session, and we will be calling on you to act quickly to contact legislators on particular bills.  So far our grassroots efforts have paid off – and it always feels gratifying to be part of winning efforts.

So keep up the pressure – and soon we will be talking about the details of a victory party!