State
Wheels of Justice Grind Slowly in Douglas County Election Dispute
“But I know this: there are going to be fireworks.”
Rayfield Joins Coalition of Attorneys General Suing to Restore Education Grants
Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined 20 other attorneys general to sue the Trump administration for freezing $6.8 billion in nationwide education grants—including about $73 million to Oregon schools.
As Kotek Scrambles to Save ODOT Union Jobs, Here Are Positions Being Cut and Vacated
The layoffs are slated for the end of July. ODOT would also erase vacant positions.
New Lawsuit Says Oregon’s Closed Primaries Violate the Constitution
The challenge comes as more Oregonians than ever are excluded from primary contests that decide many general elections.
One Top Official Prepares to Launch Reelection Bid, While Another Stalls
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley’s continued silence is fanning speculation he will not run.
Lightning Sparks 72 Fires in One Night in Southwest Oregon
The National Interagency Fire Center lists the whole of Oregon as having “significant wildland fire potential” for the month of July.
ODOT Chief Details Layoffs in Staff Email
Kris Strickler, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, provided details of layoffs looming at the agency in an all-staff email he sent this morning.
Passage of Trump Tax Bill Imperils Rose Quarter Freeway Expansion and Caps
Although the bill rescinds “unobligated” funds, Albina Vision Trust remains optimistic about $488 million in federal highway grants.
Drazan Blasts ODOT Messaging After Legislative Failure
As the agency prepares for layoffs, the House Republican leader chastises the department’s director.
Mysterious Liquor Privatization Initiative Moves Forward
The Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association, which has opposed previous privatization attempts and opposes this one also is mystified by who might bankroll it.
ODOT Layoffs Will Hit Key Democratic Constituency
SEIU represents half of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s nearly 5,000 employees.
Controversial Willamette Falls Funding Proceeds
The project rests in the district of Salem’s most powerful lawmaker.
Hunters and Environmentalists Join Together to Fight for Lodging Tax Increase
The two groups, who often fall on opposite sides of the political spectrum, are together pursuing a tax increase that would benefit them both.
Kotek Vetoes Three Bills Relating to Child Welfare
Gov. Tina Kotek issued three vetoes on June 24, all for bills related to child welfare and the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Prevailing Wage Expansion Advances With Key Questions Unanswered
Trade unions strongly support extending higher-wage requirements to off-site fabrication, but lawmakers—and legislative lawyers—don’t know whether or how the state would enforce the proposed law.