SALEM — Legislators who have played key roles in Oregon public policy in recent years are heading for the exit. Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, might author another book. Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson, D-Gresham, is yearning for some “alone time.” Sen. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, is aiming for Capitol Hill. And Sen.[Read More…]
Tag: OREGON GOVERNMENT
Uncategorized Thousands of Oregon workers now saving for retirement under new program
A salon in Portland, a brewery in Astoria and an industrial fabric manufacturer from Eugene now have employees with retirement programs. They are among the 459 small businesses that recently enrolled in Oregon’s state-run retirement program, OregonSaves. That represents the second phase of a program meant to provide workers a[Read More…]
Where the government’s unwanted stuff finds a second life
Darren Kennedy, senior analyst with the State Surplus Property program, holds a sign that once directed drivers to the state Capitol. (Jake Thomas/Salem Reporter) When the military has extra combat boots, when buses from the local transit district reach a half million miles and when a giant foam cheeseburger from[Read More…]
Oregon court rule draws the attention of the Trump administration
U.S. Attorney General William Barr (Wikimedia Commons photo) Oregon’s new court rule intended to curb immigration arrests in state courthouses has drawn the attention of two of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet officials and set up a potential legal conflict. As part of the Trump administration’s hardline immigration approach, U.S. Immigration[Read More…]
Indigent defendants to get improved legal help under Oregon changes
(Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons) Public defenders in Oregon may have more time to represent clients as a state agency overhauls how it pays for the constitutionally required legal help. The way Oregon provides legal counsel for people accused of crimes but who can’t afford a lawyer has come under increased scrutiny in[Read More…]
Uncategorized Jordan Cove opponents occupy Gov. Brown’s office, vowing to stay
Thomas Joseph (center red shirt) speaks to Gov. Kate Brown via phone to demand she oppose the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline project during a demonstration at the Capitol Thursday. (Sam Stites/Oregon Capital Bureau) Protesters upset with a proposed gas pipeline cutting across Oregon filled Gov. Kate Brown’s ceremonial office Thursday, vowing[Read More…]
Incomes up, but Oregon job growth slowing, state economists report
The Oregon State Capitol (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter) SALEM — Oregon’s economy continues to expand and household incomes are growing, but job growth is slowing down and the risk of recession is still present. State economists gave lawmakers their quarterly update on Oregon’s economic landscape on Wednesday morning. Here are five[Read More…]
Uncategorized In Capitol appearance, former Oregon congressman recounts political history, laments state of politics
Les AuCoin speaks at the opening ceremony for the first MAX rail line in 1986. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons) A former Oregon legislator known for his ability to reach across the political aisle spoke at the Capitol Tuesday at a time when government looks very different from years past. Les AuCoin,[Read More…]
Uncategorized State audit: Veterinary board must improve monitoring of drug security
The Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board hasn’t properly inspected facilities across the state for compliance with Drug Enforcement Agency regulation and or done required background checks on licensees, a state audit found. Those lapses increased the risk that prescription drugs meant for animals have been illegally diverted to human use,[Read More…]
Uncategorized Flavored marijuana products can go back on sale, Oregon court decides
(Wikimedia Commons photo) The Oregon Court of Appeals has blocked the statewide ban on flavored marijuana vape products. The order last week comes a month after the court approved a similar stay on the ban for flavored nicotine vaping products enacted after Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order asking[Read More…]
