Category Government
Greg Smith faces ethics investigation over big pay raise
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is investigating whether state Rep. Greg Smith violated state law in his efforts to raise his own pay as executive director of the Columbia Development Authority.
Two Republican senators attempt to kill bipartisan proposal to raise lodging tax for wildlife
Raising the state hotel tax by 1.25 percentage points could send millions to the Fish and Wildlife Department, but the Republican senators say it will hurt the tourism industry.
Transportation package clears committee hurdle, goes to Oregon House for Friday vote
It’s been a bumpy road for the now $11.7 billion Transportation Reinvestment Package that moves closer to passage in the last days of the 2025 legislative session.
Revolt by Oregon counties delays state behavioral health changes
State health officials want counties to focus mental health spending on criminal defendants, but counties say vulnerable people would lose access and suffer as a result.
Oregon House introduces scaled-down transportation bill with days left in session
The latest transportation proposal is unpopular with Republicans and some rank-and-file Democrats who said they’ve not had enough time to process it.
Measure expanding foster youth rights passes Oregon Senate again, overriding Kotek veto
Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, took to the floor minutes after legislative staff announced the veto to contest Gov. Kotek’s points and argue for the urgency of protecting foster youth.
Lawmakers, Secretary of State back delaying 2024 Oregon campaign finance law from taking effect
An unremarkable, technical fix bill could be used to delay the state’s 2024 campaign finance law limiting contributions and requiring more disclosure from donors.
Oregon Senate rejects bill making big tech pay for local journalism as session end nears
A bill that would require tech companies to pay Oregon journalism outlets for using their news content failed to pass the Oregon Senate on Tuesday. The bill’s author said after the vote that she would be reintroducing the bill in a future session.
Councilors won’t act on Avelo contract, saying it’s financially risky
Dozens of people came to Monday’s Salem City Council meeting to urge counselors to cut ties with Avelo Airlines after the budget airline announced last month it was assisting the federal government’s deportation efforts. City councilors also approved the 2026 budget, parking fees for businesses, and postponed a discussion on public safety downtown to a work session on July 21.