Legislatures across the region go into session today with long to-do lists.

The Oregonian says this year’s session will answer the question “Is Oregon governable?”

Lawmakers have spent record amounts of time accomplishing less and less. They have made no progress on the state’s most vexing issues: an especially volatile tax system, chronically underfunded schools and universities, a health care crisis and a steadily shrinking state police patrol. All the while, the Capitol has degenerated into a meaner, more partisan, more ethically challenged and more secretive place.

Washington’s legislature faces a series of issues, starting with a two-year budget. Democrats have a strong majority so the outcome will set the stage for next year’s campaigns for governor and other offices statewide.