A 2018 housing bond in the Portland region has helped produce more units than it initially promised to voters. But the region’s affordability and homelessness problems are still worsening.
Given easy accessibility, more young people are using cannabis. Public health experts recommend lawmakers combat misinformation, expand prevention programs, set stricter potency limits and enhance law enforcement against false advertising and repeated use by minors.
There are active secession movements in western states where Republicans feel underrepresented. A form of semi-independent home rule within existing states might work better.
The state’s suicide rate consistently outpaces the nation’s and it ranks among the worst for treating adults with substance abuse disorders, according to a new report.
Salem, Ore., is in budget straits, in part because untaxed state buildings make up 8 percent of the property in the city. Tina Kotek is backing a local property tax increase as lawmakers consider ways to help the city directly.
Democrat Tina Kotek is backing legislation that would allow the state to take control of a quarter of underperforming schools’ budgets, as well as require those schools to hire tutors.
The bill calls on utilities to meet wildfire protection standards. In return, they'd gain legal protection.
Residents of red counties in blue states wish they had a new political home. Also, in Florida, the Legislature is starting to stand up to Ron DeSantis.
Human services officials say more treatment options are needed to place children, but lawmakers are concerned lighter regulations will create more problems.
Arizona is the only state to require all jurisdictions to livestream ballot processing, but there are other places to watch.
The initiative commonly known as the Oregon Rebate would increase the minimum tax on large businesses by 3 percent and send the cash to all residents, guaranteeing them a minimum income.
Voting reform advocates say ranked-choice voting will give voters more voice in their elections. But clerks of small counties worry that any advantages will be undermined by more cost and confusion.
Too many jobs that have nothing to do with driving require it. It’s an unnecessary employment barrier, and other states should follow the lead of two that have moved to prohibit it.
The bipartisanship that Cecil Andrus, Dan Evans and Tom McCall practiced decades ago sets them apart from many of today’s political leaders. It helped that they had shared values — and that they liked each other.
The Legislative Emergency Board approved the funding last week. Spending on wildfires this year has reached $250 million, which is more than double the amount budgeted for the response.
Before the pandemic, most court proceedings took place in person at the Deschutes County courthouse. While remote court appearances improve efficiency, some argue that for serious crimes there are clear disadvantages.
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