Category Government
UPDATE: Senate Democrats respond to Courtney’s speech saying cap and trade doesn’t have the votes
(Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) SALEM — A controversial climate bill that caused a standoff between Democrats and Republicans, prompting Republicans to flee the state, could maybe have been resolved with a simple floor vote. House Bill 2020 doesn’t have enough support among Democrats to pass, Senate…
‘No deal’ so far, Senate Republicans report as Oregon Legislature stalls
SALEM — There was still no sign Monday that Republican senators boycotting the Capitol are ready to return. Republicans have avoided the Senate since Thursday, preventing a vote on legislation to cap the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and blocking scores of pending bills. Several Republican…
Stalemate continues in Oregon Senate, threatening budget and other bills
SALEM — The stalemate between Republicans and Democrats in the Oregon Senate continued Monday morning. No resolution was publicly apparent, as Republicans continue their protest of House Bill 2020, which would establish a market system to cap the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. They contend the…
More housing choices win House approval, allowing mixes in Oregon’s single-family zoning
SALEM — Single-family homes have long dominated the housing market in Oregon. But could a legislative proposal from one of Oregon’s most powerful lawmakers, which took a critical step forward Thursday, change that? House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, presided over the passage of one of…
Legislature did make progress on some new laws, before senators scooted away
SALEM — These bills might not make headlines, but they may make a difference to Oregonians all the same. Each of these bills passed their last hurdle this week and now head to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON: In a…
State police communicating with missing Oregon senators as Democrats balk at any new deal
Senate President Peter Courtney goes through motions of convening the Senate on Thursday, June 20, after Republican senators made good on their plan to abandon the Capitol. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — Thursday’s political standoff over a plan to cap carbon emissions in Oregon…
That cigarette pack could cost more under House-backed tax plan
SALEM — Oregon took a step closer Thursday to taxing e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. On a 39-21 vote, the House approved increasing the cigarette tax to $2 per pack, part of a change to the law that would also slap new taxes on cigars…
Governor puts Oregon State Police on trail of missing senators
Senate President Peter Courtney goes through motions of convening the Senate on Thursday, June 20, after Republican senators made good on their plan to abandon the Capitol. (Claire Withycombe/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Thursday called on the Oregon State Police to…
Republican senators disappear from Capitol after negotiations over cap-and-trade flop
Protestors gather outside the Capitol, objecting to legislation that would impose limits on pollution and increase costs for some industry. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) UPDATE: Gov. Kate Brown directs Oregon State Police to return missing senators to the Capitol. The Senate decides to fine missing senators…