Category Legislature
Oregon senators agree to cut $45 million in funding for early childhood programs
The $1.4 billion budget approved by senators on Monday is 3% less than current levels and could lead to job losses and preschool closures, advocates say.
Kotek homeless shelter bill gets trimmed in wake of budget shortfall
The legislation cleared a budgeting committee Tuesday after lawmakers balked at the state’s fiscal outlook and declining revenue.
Oregon road workers urge passage of transportation bill, others warn of financial burden
A long-awaited proposal to fund state roads, bridges and other transit projects met with concern that costs would hit low-income Oregonians.
Oregon bill would make landlords give back rent deposit or pay fee if home found defective
House Bill 3521, now headed to the governor's desk, would let Oregon renters get their security deposits back if the home they’ve applied to has mold, unsafe electrical wiring or other defects making it uninhabitable.
Oregon lawmakers scale back proposal for unemployment strike payments amid blowback
A watered-down bill extending unemployment benefits to striking public and private employees will need to once again clear both legislative chambers after a concurrence vote.
Environment, social justice groups withdraw support for governor’s key groundwater protection bill
A last-minute amendment neutralizes the power of a bill updating groundwater pollution regulations advocacy groups said.
Oregon lawmakers weigh increased oversight of state’s embattled transportation department
At a committee hearing Tuesday, legislators aiming to create a politically viable transportation package were met with calls for better oversight of the agency.
Bill enacting nation’s strictest limits on corporate health care influence signed by Gov. Kotek
“We need to make sure that our health care providers and our delivery system stays local,” the governor told reporters Monday when explaining her decision.
Oregon ‘freedom to read’ library bill heads to governor’s desk
Senate Bill 1098 would prohibit schools and libraries from removing books on the basis of being by, or about, members of a protected class.