Category Government
Jordan Cove opponents occupy Gov. Brown’s office, vowing to stay
Thomas Joseph (center red shirt) speaks to Gov. Kate Brown via phone to demand she oppose the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline project during a demonstration at the Capitol Thursday. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) Protesters upset with a proposed gas pipeline cutting across Oregon filled Gov. Kate…
Incomes up, but Oregon job growth slowing, state economists report
The Oregon State Capitol (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) SALEM — Oregon’s economy continues to expand and household incomes are growing, but job growth is slowing down and the risk of recession is still present. State economists gave lawmakers their quarterly update on Oregon’s economic landscape on…
With months until primary, Oregon’s Secretary of State race getting crowded
SALEM — The job of Oregon secretary of state may not bring fame or fortune, but it’s an essential state post. And politicians are lining up to get it. The race for secretary of state will determine who will manage oversight of state government performance.…
In Capitol appearance, former Oregon congressman recounts political history, laments state of politics
Les AuCoin speaks at the opening ceremony for the first MAX rail line in 1986. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons) A former Oregon legislator known for his ability to reach across the political aisle spoke at the Capitol Tuesday at a time when government looks very different…
State audit: Veterinary board must improve monitoring of drug security
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board hasn’t properly inspected facilities across the state for compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency regulation and or done required background checks on licensees, a state audit found. Those lapses increased the risk that prescription drugs meant for animals have been…
Flavored marijuana products can go back on sale, Oregon court decides
(Wikimedia Commons photo) The Oregon Court of Appeals has blocked the statewide ban on flavored marijuana vape products. The order last week comes a month after the court approved a similar stay on the ban for flavored nicotine vaping products enacted after Gov. Kate Brown…
Former state exec who questioned Oregon emergency spending gets $500,000 settlement
SALEM — The state has agreed to pay $510,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a former deputy director at the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Laurie Holien sued the state agency overseeing that office two years ago, alleging sex discrimination and that she was…
Two of Oregon’s largest unions see decline in state workers paying dues, but claim they’re bouncing back
(Courtesy SEUI Local 503) SALEM — Oregon’s largest public employee unions have seen double-digit declines in the number of state workers paying dues, state data show. Together, SEIU 503 and AFSCME Council 75 represent about 29,000 workers employed by state agencies. A shrinking share of…
Oregon forests become political battleground that voters could decide next year
A political fight over the way Oregon manages its forests and timber activity could play out before voters next fall. Two separate sets of ballot initiatives with contrary views of forestry in Oregon have been filed with the state Elections Division. One side seeks to…