Category Government
Oregon cell phone users face tax for rural internet
SALEM — Oregonians could see their cell phone bills go up to raise money for expanding rural high-speed internet. Legislators are considering a surcharge on wireless calls to raise $10 million a year that utilities could use for internet projects in rural Oregon. The average…
State proposes near-record fine for union-backed group’s foul-up with voter ballots
Defend Oregon, a union-backed political action committee supporting progressive ballot measures is facing the second largest election penalty in state history for failing to deliver 97 ballots it collected from Multnomah County voters on Election Day last fall. The state Elections Division, part of Oregon…
Salem votes down third bridge
Left to right: Councilors Cara Kaser, Tom Andersen, Brad Nanke and Jackie Leung. Andersen addressed Salem City Coucnil after the majority voted down a motion that would have kept the Salem River Crossing in play. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) Salem City Council has voted to halt…
Oregon senator draws rebukes from all sides, stands firm
Sen. Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls, on the left. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter) SALEM – State Sen. Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls, finds himself alone on a political island this week after being publicly rebuked by fellow legislators for an inflammatory statement about a police killing. Republicans and…
Chance at having a home in Oregon could increase with legislative action
Paula Pena prepares to testify at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, about the need to control rent increases in Oregon. (Portland Tribune/Paris Achen) Salem resident Paula Pena often slips cash into her father’s wallet when he’s not looking. The money is to help pay…
Salem council to vote on third bridge Monday, offered two draft letters
The Marion and Center street bridges pictured last summer. Salem City Council are expected to decide the fate of a long-proposed third bridge on Monday night. (Salem Reporter files) Salem City Council will be asked Monday night to decide the fate of the Salem River…
Legislature takes on bullying and suicide in schools
(Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) SALEM — Four days before Chloe Wilson took her life, the 14-year-old from Eugene was meeting with her legislators at the state Capitol, eager to push for more recognition of people with mental illnesses. She died Feb. 26, 2018. Nearly…
Lawmakers consider interstate marijuana commerce, banning employers from forcing workers to abstain from legal substances
Oregonians would no longer be compelled by employers to avoid off-duty use of marijuana under a proposal being considered at the Legislature. Legislators also are considering opening the door to exporting the state’s marijuana crop, which far exceeds demand in the state. Senate Bill 379…
Salem considering buying ARCHES building, bankrolling more services for homeless
The sign at The ARCHES Project, a building the city of Salem is said to be considering buying. Buying the property would give the facility hundreds of thousands more dollars to spend on services, like around-the-clock bathrooms (Anthony McGuire/Special to Salem Reporter) The city of…