Category Government
House fumbles special session, legislators to try again Sunday
The Oregon House struggled to muster a quorum during a special session of the Legislature on Friday, Aug. 29. Leaders adjourned the House until Sunday to again consider new transportation funding.
“Workers Over Billionaires” protest planned for Labor Day in Salem
Demonstrations against the Trump administration are planned across the U.S. Monday, including a Salem rally at 1 p.m. near the Oregon Capitol featuring speakers from unions.
Nearly all Oregon sheriffs support Marion County’s suit for clarity on ICE cooperation
All but two of Oregon’s 36 sheriffs support Marion County’s lawsuit to get clarity on whether it can provide information about people on county parole to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The lawsuit, filed in federal court last week, has drawn criticism from Democrats who see it as an effort to weaken the state’s sanctuary law.
Cherriots security report shows slight decrease in attacks on staff
Cherriots’ board will meet Thursday to consider new projects to support a transition to electric buses, and will review several reports on security, community outreach and ridership. There’s no action planned on the agency’s payroll tax proposal, which has led to significant local debate.
Council discusses balancing access, ecological preservation at Bush’s Pasture Park
Salem city councilors on Monday discussed changes to an existing no-mow program at Bush’s Pasture Park designed to preserve the park's majestic white oak trees while continuing to provide safe picnicking areas for visitors. The council voted 5-3 to send the matter to the Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Oregonians share urgency and ire over latest proposal to raise taxes for transportation funding
Nearly 2,200 Oregonians submitted testimony to Legislature in advance of public hearing on new, multi-billion transportation funding proposal that would raise the gas tax 6 cents per gallon.
Salem-area children’s services brace for lack of federal, state money
CASA of Marion County and Liberty House serve vulnerable children who are in foster care or have experienced abuse in the Salem area. They face an uncertain future as state lawmakers didn't boost funding as much as hoped following federal cuts.
UPDATED: City councilors vote to consider joining state energy program
Salem city councilors voted Monday in favor of looking into a state energy program that would provide long-term financing to property owners for efficiency upgrades.
Guatemalan man challenges ICE arrest during Oregon farm worker raid
A Woodburn farmworker arrested by ICE earlier this month in Marion County has applied for asylum and has been making scheduled check-ins, his lawyer argued in court this week.