Category Politics
U.S. Rep. Bentz talks Republican power, criticizes media in speech at eastern Oregon summit
Oregon's sole Republican federal representative, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, acknowledged that it will be a “challenge” to protect rural hospitals from Medicaid cuts, but he said he has been talking to Mehmet Oz, who has promised to help.
Kotek’s transportation plan: 6-cent gas tax increase, registration fee hikes and doubled transit tax
Gov. Tina Kotek’s plan to prevent layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation and local governments around the state relies on a 6-cent gas tax increase, fee hikes and doubling the payroll tax that funds transit.
Keizer councilor advised officer of position, police connections during incident
Facing accusations of assault, Soraida Cross advised a poilce officer that she was a city councilor and that she talked to the Keizer police chief "all the time," according to a police video obtained by Keizertimes. Cross didn't respond to questions about the disclosures.
Greg Smith sued over role in nonprofit scheme, faces third ethics investigation
Greg Smith took a seat on a rural nonrprofit board and then voted to sell a subsidiary to business associates at price well below its value, according to a state lawsuit. Smith is a Republican state representative from Heppner and holds key leadership positions in the Oregon House.
Mannix looks back on tumultous session that left roads at risk
State Rep. Kevin Mannix, a Republican who represents north Salem, supports a special session to address transportation needs after a large package pushed forward by Democrats collapsed.
Salem hospitals warn of fallout from GOP’s Medicaid cuts
Salem-area health care officials anticipate "devastating consequences" from Medicaid cuts under the "big, beautiful bill," including patients losing insurance and possible hospital closures.
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley will seek re-election in 2026
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley,a Democrat, will run for a fourth term in the Senate. He's held the seat as Oregon's junior senator since 2009.
Oregon leaders respond to passage of GOP megabill, warn of ‘devastating consequences’
Oregon’s lone Republican congressman, Cliff Bentz, voted to pass Republicans' sweeping bill Thursday, while the state’s Democrats called it "a betrayal."
US House passes massive tax break and spending cut bill, sending it to Trump
Congressional Republicans passed a sweeping bill extending tax cuts, adding billions to immigration enforcement and slashing Medicaid and food stamps.