Your Friday evening update on Salem news
Good evening, Salem.
Leaders of a campaign to repeal a state gas tax increase and other transportation fees submitted signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office today.
The Republican-led No Tax Oregon campaign turned in nearly 200,000 signatures, more than double the 78,000 needed to refer the taxes to the ballot next fall.
State Rep. Ed Diehl, a Republican whose district includes parts of east Salem and the Santiam Canyon, is among the leaders of the referendum campaign.
Though some signatures will likely be disqualified, there’s little doubt the effort will succeed. That means voters would decide on the tax and fee increases in November 2026.
While the referendum campaign is active, the new taxes approved earlier this fall by Democrats in the state legislature won’t go into effect. The money was intended to fund transportation projects and operations for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem.
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After a lengthy investigation, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission on Friday concluded that Greg Smith violated prohibitions against using his public position to arrange a substantial pay raise from a…
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Managing Editor Rachel Alexander explains what goes into covering immigration arrests, and why journalists often can’t get basic information about federal government actions.
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Oregon reported the largest increase in unemployment over the past year, and has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
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On our “Coffee Break” podcast with What’s Happening Salem, we talk about this week’s biggest news, including Salem’s new vintage toy store and a new local government focus on Wallace…
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Several local LGBTQ+ groups are coming together to kickstart fundraising at an event Saturday, Dec. 13, to put towards establishing a dedicated queer center in downtown Salem.
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