By Salem Reporter
Expanded family leave law would give more workers right to paid time off
SALEM — Nearly all workers in Oregon would gain the right to take paid leave for family and medical reasons under a proposal advancing through the Legislature, but it likely won’t become available until 2023. Under House Bill 2005, employers…
City swats down rumors, says water safe to drink
Salem city officials on Friday afternoon declared as “false” social media reports circulating through the community that water supplies were tainted and unsafe, but the assurances weren’t persuasive to some. The city confirmed testing showed small amounts of cyanotoxins –…
Drive to limit Oregon campaign money sputters to a stop
SALEM — Bowing to the pressures of time and differences of opinion, Democrats are setting aside a legislative effort to slap limits on political campaign contributions. Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, had hoped to get contribution limits through the…
DOME DIGEST: Immigrants rights, drunk driving and youth suicide
SALEM — These bills might not make headlines, but they may make a difference to Oregonians all the same. Each of these bills passed their last hurdle this week and now head next to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature.…
Consultants step on the pedal to speed up Oregon’s fixes for foster kid system
SALEM — Outside consultants are pushing dramatic, immediate changes to fix Oregon’s foster care system. The Department of Human Services has been unable to resolve problems in the long-troubled system charged with lifting thousands of Oregon kids out of abuse…
A proposed tobacco tax springs to life, though this time it’s in a referral to voters
A proposed tobacco tax hike that was dormant for months was suddenly revived Thursday. Lawmakers were able to amend it to a more palatable version, with the main change being that it will go to the voters. House Bill 2270…
Air horns of protest can’t stall legislative action on climate bill
Log truck drivers rallied at the Capitol on Wednesday to protest House Bill 2020, which will implement a cap and trade program. Despite their presence, the bill passed out of its final committee 13-8. It will get a vote in…
Oregon Capitol hosting memorial for longtime Sen. Jackie Winters
Cards and flowers piled up in Winters’ office shortly after her death was announced. (Claire Withycombe/East Oregonian Media Group) SALEM — A memorial service for longtime state Sen. Jackie Winters will be held Thursday at the Capitol. Services are scheduled…
For Oregon, it’s the last straw – plastic, that is
SALEM — When you get takeout food from your favorite restaurant, you might be handed a thin plastic bag, with foam containers inside containing your meal, plus a plastic straw or two if you ordered a drink. Those straws? Gone.…
Thousands of Oregonians soon to be eligible to clear old marijuana convictions
The Oregon Legislature on Tuesday saw both chambers work to destigmatize marijuana. Once criminal, the substance is becoming part of the state’s identity — and a cash crop. The Senate gave the nod to a proposal that would help tens…