By Salem Reporter
As Democrats resurrect carbon bill, Republicans leave all options on the table — including another walkout
Oregon State Capitol FILE (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) SALEM — One question has lingered in political circles in the days since Democratic legislators unveiled their latest plan to limit the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. What do the Republicans think? The GOP…
Proposal that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms or face penalties has first hearing
State Rep. Rachel appears on a screen in a legislative hearing room used to accommodate overflow. The topic was a safe gun storage proposal she plans to introduce in the 2020 legislative session. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) Oregon’s gun owners will…
In a nod to its base, the Democratic Party of Oregon recognizes staff union
(Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) The Democratic Party of Oregon’s staff is unionized. The party’s 10 full-time staff members voted to unionize and reached a collective bargaining agreement with the party last week, according to a Jan. 14 press release. “As we enter…
Courtney gets treatment for hip injury, misses Capitol duty
SALEM — Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, is out of the Capitol this week while being treated for a hip injury at Oregon Health & Science University, according to his office. Courtney’s absence occurs as state lawmakers convene in the…
State Rep. Paul Evans officially files for re-election
Rep. Paul Evans plays a campaign commercial on his phone in his Capitol office. Evans made the commercial in response to attack ads from his opponent, Selma Pierce. The commercial is from the perspective of his dog, Beau, to set…
Isaac’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert Celebrates its first Birthday
Behind the counter Kyle Layton, Monica Morales, Raeanna Selby listen to Tiffany Bulgin start the toast while Mary Jean Sandall and Mark Bulgin look on at the first anniversary of Isaac’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem…
New task force examines overlooked issue of labor trafficking in Oregon
Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon attorney general Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has launched a new task force intended to address the overlooked issue of forced labor. In 2007, lawmakers passed a bill creating the crime of involuntary servitude, where a person…
A chat in a parking garage and a path to a new climate plan for Oregon
SALEM — Less than a month before legislators convene again, a new proposal to cap Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions is taking firmer shape. The aim is to reduce the state’s overall emissions from electricity, fossil fuels like natural gas and diesel,…
Rich Vial resigns as deputy secretary of state
Secretary of State’s office. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) Deputy Secretary of State Rich Vial has resigned his position. Vial submitted his resignation to Secretary of State Bev Clarno on Monday, Jan. 6, with an effective date of Friday, Jan.…
Seeking to protect farmland, conservation groups go to court to block airport runway extension
A jet arrives at the Aurora State Airport. (Jaime Valdez/Pamplin Media Group). A proposed expansion of the Aurora State Airport violates the state’s land-use law, imperils prime farmland and wasn’t properly approved, two conservation groups argue in a lawsuit. 1,000…