Category State
VOTE 2020: Political spending in Oregon could soon be reined in. Local legislative candidates aren’t sure how to do that
Oregon State Capitol, rotunda (Salem Reporter/file) Money could become less of a factor in elections in Oregon. If voters approve Measure 107 Tuesday, the Legislature and local governments could regulate the amount of money that can be donated to those running for public office and…
Investigations into workplace harassment at state agencies lack oversight, audit concludes
Oregon State Capitol, governor’s office (Salem Reporter/file) A state agency overseeing personnel issues has taken a hands-off approach to workplace discrimination and harassment investigations, a recent report concluded. The report, released Wednesday by state auditors, found that the Department of Administrative Services doesn’t do enough…
Oregon public records advocate resigns after conflict with board over independence
Becky Chiao Oregon’s top transparency official resigned Tuesday, after clashing with the state board she chairs over its efforts to make her office more independent from the governor. In a resignation letter obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Public Records Advocate Becky Chiao wrote that “a disagreement has arisen…
AROUND OREGON: Small businesses vow lawsuit unless Oregon compensates pandemic losses
The Wilsonville Family Fun Center is one of 32 businesses who have decided to take part in a possible class-action lawsuit stemming from revenue lost due to the governor’s executive order to shut down some businesses during the COVID pandemic. (Portland Tribune photo) PORTLAND –…
At a time of greater scrutiny for law enforcement, new leader tapped for Oregon’s largest police force
Terri Davie takes over as superintendent of the Oregon State Police on Nov. 1. (Courtesy/Governor’s Office) Terri Davie has been named by Gov. Kate Brown to head the state’s largest police force. On Monday, Brown announced the appointment of Davie as new superintendent of the…
Employment Department applies for program that’ll send extra cash to unemployed
Oregon Employment Department. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) An additional $300 a week could be coming to unemployed residents of Salem and the rest of the state. The Oregon Employment Department announced on Monday it’s applying for the federal Lost Wages Assistance program. Created by the Trump…
PHOTOS: In a Capitol closed to the public, legislators whittle away at state budget
Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, left, and Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, wait to see the outcome of a vote on House Bill 4303 during a one-day special session at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, August 10. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) For the second time in 2020,…
Cuts loom as lawmakers prepare to meet
A flat-screen TV and speaker livestream a committee meeting outside of the Oregon State Capitol on Thursday, August 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Oregon legislators will meet on Monday to shore up a state budget decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Kate Brown called the second…
Second special session to rebalance state budget called for August
The Oregon State Capitol. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) Oregon lawmakers have been tasked with plugging a $1 billion hole in the state’s budget in a special legislative session that’ll convene Monday, Aug. 10. This will be the second special session called by Gov. Kate Brown this…