AT THE CAPITOL: Child care relief is a big topic at the Legislature. A package clears the Senate that would make it easier to provide child care services.
OREGON NEWS
Resolution declaring shelter dogs, cats the state pet sailing through the Legislature
House Resolution 8, which would make shelter dogs and cats the state pet, passed the House with 58 bipartisan votes in favor, and is scheduled for discussion in the Senate on Thursday.
State senator shields records on troubled eastern Oregon project, cites immunity
State Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, decided last week to take the unusual step of invoking constitutional immunity to stymie a request for his state records regarding the Treasure Valley Reload Center. He is pursuing another $5 million – after assuring colleagues last fall there was no need for more.
State-funded rail project in Malheur County comes up short, asks contractors to hold bills
Project managers in a recent meeting that the Treasure Valley Reload Center in Nyssa is so far over budget that contractors are “talked into” not submitting invoices. They expect to ask state legislators for another $5 million on top of $30 million already committed by the state.
Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission director resigns amid bourbon hoarding scandal
The director of the state liquor agency on Monday, Feb. 13, turned in a short resignation letter. His departure comes as investigations continue into agency employee access to liquor in short supply.
Oregon lawmakers ponder grants for local news
Witnesses are urging legislators to support local news in Oregon through grants to state organizations. An amended version of the bill won’t include tax credits for donating or subscribing to news outlets
Lawmakers plan to provide more resources for Oregon’s beleaguered behavioral health system
Oregon legislators are focused on expanding residential facilities and adopting measures to attract more workers to the field.
SPECIAL REPORT: Smith pledges scrutiny of Nyssa rail project budget, can’t produce one
NYSSA – The remarks to the board seemed to come from a project manager both frugal and attentive to costs. In somber tones, Greg Smith told the board of the Malheur County Development Corp. that he and the project engineer “are closely watching the budget.” Smith has been in charge[Read More…]
Oregon’s congressional delegation reacts to State of the Union along party lines
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley gave an online news conference while U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, and Reps. Lori Chavez DeRemer, a Republican, and Democrat Andrea Salinas released statements.
Kotek proposes $13.5 billion for education but critics say more is needed
Experts say the state needs to spend even more to keep Oregon schools running as they are, let alone improve them.
