Category Government
Expanded family leave law would give more workers right to paid time off
SALEM — Nearly all workers in Oregon would gain the right to take paid leave for family and medical reasons under a proposal advancing through the Legislature, but it likely won’t become available until 2023. Under House Bill 2005, employers would have to let an…
Drive to limit Oregon campaign money sputters to a stop
SALEM — Bowing to the pressures of time and differences of opinion, Democrats are setting aside a legislative effort to slap limits on political campaign contributions. Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, had hoped to get contribution limits through the Senate after they passed the…
DOME DIGEST: Immigrants rights, drunk driving and youth suicide
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 next to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature. READING RAINBOW: Patients who aren’t…
Marion County taps internal candidate Kast as next sheriff
The Marion County Courthouse There’s a new sheriff in town, although he has been with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for more than two decades. On Thursday, the Marion County Board of Commissioners selected Cmdr. Joe Kast to replace outgoing Sheriff Jason Myers, who is…
Consultants step on the pedal to speed up Oregon’s fixes for foster kid system
SALEM — Outside consultants are pushing dramatic, immediate changes to fix Oregon’s foster care system. The Department of Human Services has been unable to resolve problems in the long-troubled system charged with lifting thousands of Oregon kids out of abuse and neglect. Nearly two months…
A proposed tobacco tax springs to life, though this time it’s in a referral to voters
A proposed tobacco tax hike that was dormant for months was suddenly revived Thursday. Lawmakers were able to amend it to a more palatable version, with the main change being that it will go to the voters. House Bill 2270 passed out of the House…
Marion County commissioners moved to block money for transgender training for professionals, triggering complaint
Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis, worried therapists may be advocating for gender reassignment surgery in children, recently moved to defund training for clinicians who work with transgender people, according to a recently filed complaint. Willis’ concern was backed by Marion County Commissioner Sam Brentano. “We…
Air horns of protest can’t stall legislative action on climate bill
Log truck drivers rallied at the Capitol on Wednesday to protest House Bill 2020, which will implement a cap and trade program. Despite their presence, the bill passed out of its final committee 13-8. It will get a vote in the House on Monday. (Claire…
Oregon Capitol hosting memorial for longtime Sen. Jackie Winters
Cards and flowers piled up in Winters’ office shortly after her death was announced. (Claire Withycombe/East Oregonian Media Group) SALEM — A memorial service for longtime state Sen. Jackie Winters will be held Thursday at the Capitol. Services are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.…