By Salem Reporter
Oregon agencies could have saved $1.6 billion through smarter shopping, audit finds
SALEM — State officials could have saved up to $1.6 billion over a two-year period by being smarter shoppers, according to a state audit released Wednesday, Dec. 19. But, auditors said, old technology and outdated practices largely prevent the state…
Proposed ballot measure would limit use of toll revenue
Portland-area drivers facing freeway tolls may get some protection from seeing that money diverted to anything but expanding highways. Language has been approved for a ballot measure that would restrict the state’s use of that toll money. Transportation Department officials…
Dennis Richardson withdraws plan to delegate his Land Board position to his deputy
UPDATE: This story has been updated with new information. Secretary of State Dennis Richardson has decided not to delegate his seat on the State Land Board to a subordinate while he deals with cancer, according to a letter disclosed Monday.…
Power outages possible overnight in Salem as storm hits
Be sure you know where you’re flashlights are. The National Weather Service is warning Salem will see winds of 25 to 35 mph overnight with gusts to 50 mph as a powerful, wet storm rolls into Oregon Monday night. And…
Oregon agencies may find more watchdogs keeping an eye on them
SALEM — A dozen large state agencies could find themselves with watchdogs tethered within their ranks, guarding against wasteful spending and questionable government practices. They’ve been without internal auditors for more than a decade ago, ignoring a mandate that they…
Senator’s anonymous delivery under doors triggers Capitol worries
SALEM — A state senator caught on tape slipping anonymous packets under the doors of at least seven other senators last month has been warned his conduct could be considered workplace harassment. The letter’s public disclosure is the latest in…
Change in Oregon’s DNA law could free wrongly convicted defendants, legislators told
SALEM — After 18 years in prison, Gerard Richardson walked free in 2013. He had been found wrongfully convicted of murder. Richardson was serving time in New Jersey, but experts say if an Oregon court found him guilty, he would…
Oregon education reforms could cost $3 billion, legislators told
Meme Branch talks about her high school experience with state Sen. Rob Wagner during a Joint Legislation Committee on School Success town hall earlir this year. (Pamplin Media Group/Jonathan House) SALEM — In an effort to put more Oregon students…
Secretary of State Dennis Richardson releases video updating the public on his cancer
For the first time since August, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson on Thursday updated the public about his brain cancer, releasing a social media video. Since disclosing the tumor in late May, Richardson has receded from the public eye, deferring…
After more than year-long search, Medicaid director returns
Dec. 14, 2018 — This story has been updated to include new information. Oregon’s former Medicaid director Lori Coyner will return to the role on Jan. 28, filling the vacancy she left in 2017. Coyner will oversee the Oregon Health…