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Business group analysis finds Oregon state employees contribute less to health care than in neighboring states

(Photo by Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) SALEM — Oregon’s public employees typically pay less for health insurance than their peers in neighboring states, a new study finds. The study by the actuarial firm Milliman was commissioned by The Oregon Business Council, an association of business leaders, as part of[Read More…]

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Mayor appeals for third bridge in annual address, reveals plans for resiliency task force

Lobby of Salem City Hall. (Salem Reporter files) Updated 3:30 p.m. with more information about a proposed hub of electric vehicle chargers and the consideration of more bond measures. Delivering the annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, Mayor Chuck Bennett visited a handful of major issues in Salem[Read More…]

St. Edward asks court to dismiss school district’s eminent domain case, citing religious freedom

The vacant field owned by St. Edward Catholic Church. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) The Keizer church facing a forced land sale to accommodate a growing McNary High School contends that school officials are violating the parish’s religious freedom. In a Jan. 18 court filing, St. Edward Catholic Church asked the court[Read More…]

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Salem looking to boost internet downtown

People walk in front of shops in downtown Salem in December. (Caleb Wolf/Special to Salem Reporter) The city of Salem is considering laying internet infrastructure in downtown to either lease out or manage like a utility. Since December, the city has been looking to hire a consultant to help officials[Read More…]

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AGENDA: Marion County to consider new land uses, justice department-funded position

Wednesday appears to be the busiest meeting so far in 2019 for the Marion County Commission. • Commissioners will consider entering into an agreement with the Oregon District Attorneys Association and the Oregon Department of Justice to help staff the Oregon Child Support Program. The staffer would report to Marion[Read More…]

School board wants to hear from you about proposed Salem-Keizer boundary changes

The Salem-Keizer School Board is seeking comments about a plan to change school boundaries that would affect thousands of students and families. The new boundaries, together with ongoing school construction, are designed to address overcrowding based on population projections and would take effect next school year. Families can seek an[Read More…]