Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers took the first step  Thursday to override a pair of bills vetoed by Governor Ted Kulongoski after last year's session.

But they likely won't act on another set of vetoed measures.  Chris Lehman reports.

It takes a two-thirds vote to override a veto. Both of these bills passed without opposition the first time around, so overcoming the Governor's objections wasn't that difficult.

One measure requires the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System to guarantee a member's benefits prior to retirement.

Another directs the state to study the impact of pathogens on fish hatcheries.

Republican Senator Jason Atkinson spoke in support of that measure.

Jason Atkinson: "This chamber and the other chamber did pass this bill, not along party lines, not along special interest lines. It was just a good solid piece of policy that passed. Unfortunately it hit another snag called a veto."

A spokesman for Kulongoski says the governor stands by his vetoes.

The measures now head to the House where they also enjoyed strong support.

Lawmakers won't try to overturn a pair of vetoes on renewable energy legislation. Instead, they're working on compromise legislation that may incorporate the governor's concerns.

Online:

The Governor's veto messages about SB 897 and SB 545