Category Government
Oregon Democrats float new proposal to change quorum laws as Senate Republican walkout drags on
Most legislative Democrats have signed onto a constitutional referral to address walkouts proposed by Reps. Khanh Pham and David Gomberg, though its prospects of passing this session are dim.
150 Oregon physicians caution Legislature against changing House Bill 2002 on abortion provisions
In a letter to lawmakers, doctors warned against watering down a bill which would let children younger than 15 obtain an abortion without parental consent. Democrats are considering softening the language to bring Republican Senators back to the Capitol.
UPDATE: Salem City Council advances 2023-24 budget, approves operations fee increase
The Salem City Council met Monday, June 12, to advance its 2023-24 budget and hear public testimony on the subject. Councilors also approved an increase to the city operations fee, effective July 1.
These bipartisan bills affecting Salem will die if walkout isn’t resolved
Bills to strengthen penalties for fentanyl possession, make it easier to change speed limits in Marion County and let community colleges train more nurses have passed the Oregon House with bipartisan support and await Senate votes.
Bills to help Salemites with addiction, nurse licensing, housing stalled as walkout drags on
Salem leaders said they’re frustrated by the lack of a deal one month into a walkout led by Senate Republicans which is stalling bipartisan proposals and funding to address a range of local needs.
City council considering payroll tax without voter approval
Salem city councilors on June 12 will review a draft ordinance that would tax Salem workers an average of $42 a month to sustain and expand police, emergency response and homeless services. Councilors would vote at a later date after a public hearing.
Federal prosecutors investigating Fagan, La Mota owners
The U.S. Department of Justice has subpoenaed records from five state agencies over the former Secretary of State moonlighting for a marijuana company.
Nicholas Hunter appointed Marion County Sheriff
Marion County Commissioners on Wednesday appointed Lt. Nicholas Hunter to complete the term of Sheriff Joe Kast, who plans to retire at the end of June. Hunter most recently oversaw the sheriff’s office’s enforcement division.
Democrats warn of lost opportunities as GOP-led Senate walkout persists
Bills to help wildfire response, expand health care access and prevent homelessness for Oregonians remain in jeopardy as neither side budges over a month after the Republican walkout began.