Category State
Across Oregon, legislators are leaving to pursue new careers or escape Capitol ‘rancor’
SALEM — Legislators who have played key roles in Oregon public policy in recent years are heading for the exit. Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, might author another book. Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, D-Gresham, is yearning for some “alone time.” Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, is aiming…
Federal watchdog finds shortcomings in DHS treatment of parents with disabilities
The state Department of Human Services (Courtesy/State of Oregon) SALEM — A federal civil rights watchdog has found “systemic deficiencies” in the state’s treatment of parents with disabilities. The Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to comply with federal laws that protect people with…
Thousands of Oregon workers now saving for retirement under new program
A salon in Portland, a brewery in Astoria and an industrial fabric manufacturer from Eugene now have employees with retirement programs. They are among the 459 small businesses that recently enrolled in Oregon’s state-run retirement program, OregonSaves. That represents the second phase of a program…
Where the government’s unwanted stuff finds a second life
Darren Kennedy, senior analyst with the State Surplus Property program, holds a sign that once directed drivers to the state Capitol. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) When the military has extra combat boots, when buses from the local transit district reach a half million miles and when…
Oregon court rule draws the attention of the Trump administration
U.S. Attorney General William Barr (Wikimedia Commons photo) Oregon’s new court rule intended to curb immigration arrests in state courthouses has drawn the attention of two of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet officials and set up a potential legal conflict. As part of the Trump administration’s…
Oregon moves to hire hundreds of child welfare workers as consultants wrap up review
SALEM — By Christmas, crisis consultants brought on to improve Oregon’s struggling foster care system are expected to wrap up their $1 million contract. In April, Gov. Kate Brown asked a crew of consultants from the firm Alvarez and Marsal — perhaps best known for…
Indigent defendants to get improved legal help under Oregon changes
(Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) Public defenders in Oregon may have more time to represent clients as a state agency overhauls how it pays for the constitutionally required legal help. The way Oregon provides legal counsel for people accused of crimes but who can’t afford a lawyer has…
Twenty-one arrested after hours-long sit-in of Gov. Kate Brown’s office
Thomas Joseph (right) a protester against the Jordon Cove Pipeline talks on speaker phone with Gov. Kate Brown. The governor’s chief of staff, Nick Blosser, listens in. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Names of arrested released. SALEM – State police ended a protest and…
Protesters stage sit-in at Gov. Brown’s office against proposed southern Oregon pipeline
Opponents to the Jordan Cove pipeline held a sit-in at Gov. Kate Brown’s office Thursday. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) SALEM — Protesters upset over a gas pipeline slated to cut across southern Oregon filled Gov. Kate Brown’s ceremonial office Thursday, vowing to stay until the…