Category Government
Annual survey shows increasing pessimism with the city of Salem
Salem residents are more concerned about homelessness than ever and are increasingly pessimistic about the direction the city is headed in. That’s according to an annual survey conducted from Aug. 12 to 16 by DHM Research on behalf of the city of Salem to better…
Rep. Schrader instrumental in shutting down drug cost reform bill
Rep. Kurt Schrader (Brooklin Flint/Keizertimes) Keizer’s congressional representative Kurt Schrader cast a pivotal vote last week to shut down a bill that would have allowed the government to negotiate costs of prescription drugs with pharmaceutical companies. Schrader’s critics claim large donations from pharmaceutical companies influenced…
For neighbors, a planned west Salem subdivision raises concerns about stream preservation
A sign in front of 2230 Doaks Ferry Road on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) When Ken Bierly looked at the property where a subdivision is proposed in west Salem, it was obvious there was a stream. Looking on from Northwest Doaks Ferry…
State, SEIU agree on vaccine mandate for state employees with paid leave, exemptions
The State of Oregon and a union representing 22,000 of its employees reached an agreement Monday that gives workers paid time off to get a Covid vaccine before a state vaccination mandate goes into effect. The agreement with SEIU 503 comes nearly six weeks…
More people riding the bus, all-renewable power needed for Salem to meet climate goals
An out of service bus at the Downtown Transit Center on Monday, April 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Salem would need to have a renewable energy-only electricity grid, capture all its wastewater emissions and reduce all of its trash through composting and recycling to achieve city…
Marion County officials say they’re focused on vaccine outreach, not restrictions, as Covid cases surge
NOTE: Salem Reporter is providing this free to the community as a public service to keep residents informed. Please share and please subscribe to support this reporting. The Marion County Board of Commissioners doesn’t plan to consider additional measures to curb the spread of Covid in the community…
State workers demand to bargain over Gov. Brown’s vaccination mandate
Salem’s largest employer is requiring Covid vaccines – and getting pushback from unions representing tens of thousands of state employees. On Tuesday, Gov. Kate Brown said nearly all state employees, about 41,000 people, would be required to get a Covid vaccine to hold onto their…
Houseless people in Salem report experiencing discrimination daily
Survey results showing forms of discrimination Salem residents reported experiencing personally, from the city’s 2021 survey. People without housing experience discrimination at a higher rate and frequency than any other group of Salem residents according to a survey by Salem’s Human Rights Commission and Western…
To support outdoor dining, Salem offers grant program for parklet structures
The Kitchen on Court Street installed a platform for outdoor dining ahead of a city program that will start in September. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) On-street dining was such a success in downtown Salem during the pandemic that the city is handing out money to keep…