OREGON NEWS: Republicans and Democrats joined to push through a major housing package in the Oregon Senate. Funding would flow through several state agencies to boost home construction around the state.
OREGON NEWS
Oregon House passes bill unwinding Measure 110 to address addiction crisis
The sweeping drug addiction proposal now heads to the Senate for a final vote before the session ends.
Committee passes controversial bill that would unwind Measure 110
OREGON NEWS: Police and prosecutors support House Bill 4002, but civil rights advocates warn that it would usher in Oregon’s return to the failed war on drugs.
Heppner legislator reports $1 million income – but some sources aren’t clear
AROUND OREGON: Greg Smith formed a consulting business at the same time he entered the Oregon House. The Republican state representative recently reported his annual household income has topped $1 million. A new ethics disclosure requirement may reveal more about where that money comes from.
Oregon homeowners face soaring premiums, few property insurance options over wildfires
Major insurers in central, southern and eastern Oregon have dramatically pulled back on wildfire coverage, forcing some homeowners to go to an insurer of last resort.
More than two dozen Oregon lobbyists work for both sides on climate change, report finds
Lobbyists working for gas companies also work for conservation groups that are trying to combat climate change, a watchdog group found.
Five years after pushing for permanent daylight time, Oregon senator seeks switch to standard time
Sen. Kim Thatcher is spearheading a new multistate effort to stick with standard time year-round.
Willamette Valley farmers spar over risks of expanding genetically modified canola crop
A proposal to expand the amount of canola grown in the Willamette Valley could hinge on whether growers can accept restrictions on GMO varieties.
Oregon lawmakers propose pared-down version of Kotek housing bill
A housing plan advanced by a Senate committee includes $350 million, down from the $600 million Gov. Tina Kotek wanted.
Oregon lawmakers look for ways to curb prescription costs
Lawmakers are weighing an array of pharmacy bills this session that could rein in prescription prices and allow pharmacists to treat people for COVID-19.