Amid questions of influence, the Secretary of State ended a lucrative $10,000-a-month consulting deal.
POLITICS
Secretary of State’s office cannabis audit released amid questions about consulting job
Shemia Fagan is being paid by a cannabis company for consulting, which the agency says is legal though it appears to be rare.
Some Oregon bills skip committee hearings. Legislative Republicans say that needs to change.
Democrats who control the Legislature say the system isn’t ideal, but it’s worked this way for a long time.
Democrats propose constitutional protections for abortions, sex and gender identities
The measure would go to voters in the 2024 election if the Legislature passes it.
Oregon Gov. Kotek balks at plans for $1 billion Interstate 5 bridge bond
Kotek wants to use state-issued bonds for affordable housing projects.
Salinas navigates partisan divide in House to push help for Oregon agriculture
With bipartisan support, Salinas pushes for research on utility systems and wildfires and on less-costly ways for farmers to deal with pests. She describes the work in an interview with Salem Reporter.
Legislators propose a ‘little tighter’ state budget as federal relief money runs out
AT THE CAPITOL: Money for schools and housing would increase under a budget proposal from two key Oregon legislators. They want state agencies to leave unfilled jobs empty as a way to save money.
Candidates lining up to make run for Salem-Keizer School Board as deadline nears
Only one incumbent on the Salem-Keizer School Board has filed for re-election in the May 16 election. Three seats are open and the deadline to file for running is March 16.
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.
Chemeketa hopes for nursing degree, state funds to help budget and students
With the Oregon Legislature at work, community college leaders hope to see increased funding. Chemeketa Community College also wants changes to allow advanced nursing degrees.