Opponents of cap and trade effectively pit urban and rural against each other

Truckers and loggers organized the largest protest of cap and trade last week. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) SALEM — The debate on climate change appears to have deepened the gap between the liberal politics of Portland and Eugene and the conservative…
DOME DIGEST: Legislature wraps up 80th assembly with a flurry of bills

SALEM — The Oregon Legislature, delayed by a walkout by Senate Republicans, sprinted to finish its work, voting on the last bill just before 5 p.m. Sunday. The day consisted of more recesses in the Senate than time spent voting…
Senate sees highs, lows and a lot of bills as it comes down the homestretch

The Senate had a quorum for the first time in more than a week Saturday, and worked through 105 bills. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — The penultimate day of the 2019 Legislature was a busy one. Most Republican Senators…
Legislature starts the home-stretch run at a quick, smooth pace

Republican Senators officially return to the Senate after their walkout. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — Twenty-seven senators gathered at 9 a.m. Saturday morning to lay to rest House Bill 2020, the 2019 Legislature’s disruptive attempt to tackle climate change.…
Attorney hired by Legislature suggests Boquist not be allowed in Capitol

Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, discusses the walkout in his office. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter) UPDATE: A link to the investigator’s report has been added to this report. Legislative leaders were advised this week to ban Sen. Brian Boquist from the Capitol…
As Oregon Legislature nears end, campaign reform might be close

As the Oregon Legislature prepares to resume, the fate of campaign finance reform in Portland, Multnomah and statewide may rest on whether a constitutional amendment is approved before the Legislature shuts down. Activists have urged Democratic leaders to deliver on…
Republican senators to provide a quorum

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, was frustrated Friday as reporters peppered him with questions about the walkout and negotiations. Courtney declined to answer them. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) Enough Oregon Republican senators will return to the Capitol for the chamber…
Truckers, loggers and activists take over a nearly empty Capitol in protest

About 1,000 people gathered in front of the State Capitol Building’s step Thursday morning to rally in protest of HB 2020. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) SALEM — Loggers, truckers, farmers and right-wing activists filled the void created by an exodus of…
Sen. Bentz: State police have been called off

Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario. SALEM — At least one Senate Republican has returned to Oregon. Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, confirmed Thursday afternoon that he had returned home. The state police had been called off, he said. Oregon State Police Superintendent…
1,000 timber workers and supporters gather to protest cap and trade, diesel standards

Logging trucks line up in front of the Oregon Capitol. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Loggers and logging trucks made their way from the fairgrounds in Salem to the Capitol this morning to protest two bills – House Bills 2020 and 2007.…

