Oregon News POLITICS House Republicans propose cutting services, not hiking taxes, to pay for Oregon road upkeep OPB | By Dirk Vanderhart Their solution: Cutting or repurposing more than $730 million in state funding currently reserved for things like public transit, bicycle projects and agency staff. Much of that money would then be spent on nuts-and-bolts road work. As a whole, the House Republican framework is more of a rhetorical device than a realistic vision of what lawmakers will pass. If implemented, it would lead to deep service cuts at public transit agencies around the state, slash ODOT’s budgeted workforce by hundreds and result in less funding for things such as electric vehicle rebates and projects that encourage biking and walking. All of those ideas are likely to be deeply unpopular with supermajority Democrats, who will have final say over what appears in any bill. At the same time, Republicans say their proposal achieves what’s important: finding meaningful money to plow into road upkeep without raising taxes. The plan also proposes issuing bonds to pay for unfinished highway megaprojects, including a project to widen Interstate 5 through the Rose Quarter in Portland. All told, the House GOP says its proposals free up about $732 million in the next two-year budget, theoretically avoiding layoffs ODOT has said will be necessary without at least $354 million in new revenue. Drazan declined to answer directly when asked repeatedly whether House Republicans would refuse to support any tax increases as part of an eventual road-funding package. No Senate Republicans were present at the press event.
Oregon Republicans offer less costly transportation plan: No new taxes – and no public transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian or climate-friendly projects Oregon Live | By Carlos Fuentes A dozen Oregon House Republicans released a counter proposal Wednesday to Democratic lawmakers’ plan to increase or create nearly a dozen transportation taxes and fees to repair and upgrade a full spectrum of road, transit, rail and pedestrian infrastructure. In announcing the plan, Republicans said that the Oregon Department of Transportation’s focus has grown overly broad and must narrow to prioritize basic operations and maintenance. They said they would heavily oppose nearly any proposed tax hikes that Democrats have said are necessary to modernize transportation funding in the state. They also suggested eliminating the state’s bicycle and pedestrian program to save $47 million, reducing vacant positions to save $68 million and redirecting a proposed $38 million allocation intended for passenger rail to instead fund road operations and maintenance. The proposal is unlikely to significantly sway Democrats’ plan to raise transportation taxes in Oregon as soon as next year. Top Democrats released their initial funding proposal in early April, which they said would eventually raise nearly $1.9 billion per biennium. Although Drazan, Boshart Davis and several other Republicans have expressed strong opposition to any tax proposal, some members of their caucus have quietly indicated some willingness to compromise with Democrats.
Oregon House Republicans to announce proposal on funding for ODOT KATU | By Vasili Varlamos Oregon House Republicans released their proposal to fund the state's transportation system, less than a month after state Democrats released their framework for the transportation department. The proposal would not implement any new taxes on Oregonians; however, it would cut or divert funds Under the proposal, $306.7 million would be diverted from the State Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) to go toward road maintenance, improvement, and preservation. STIF provides funding for public transportation improvements and maintenance. The proposal would also divert $38 million from passenger rail funding toward road improvements. A comprehensive transportation package is a legislative priority for lawmakers on both sides. ODOT and other transportation agencies have warned of service cuts and a rapid decline in the safety, quality, and reliability of the state's transportation system if more funding is not allocated.
Secretly recorded in your AirBnB? Oregon bill lays groundwork for victims to sue Oregon Live | By Aimee Green Sen. Floyd Prozanski says he saw a national news story about people who were secretly recorded inside the vacation home they’d rented and he realized something: Victims often have little recourse under Oregon law. So Prozanski, a prosecutor for the cities of Eugene and Florence when the Legislature isn’t in session, has set out to do something about it. Senate Bill 470 would lay the legal groundwork for anyone to file a lawsuit if they’ve unknowingly been recorded while in a short-term rental — whether that be an AirBnB, VRBO, hotel or other temporary form of lodging.
A ban on book bans: Oregon bill would protect access to library materials Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Mia Maldonado Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to protect access to library materials written by diverse authors or that include themes of race, gender or sexual orientation. On Wednesday afternoon, the House Education Committee heard public comments on Senate Bill 1098, which would prohibit schools and library districts from removing books with stories about religion, disability, LGBTQ+ issues or other characteristics of a protected class in Oregon’s anti-discrimination law in public education. As Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have passed laws to restrict access to certain books and limit discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion, Democratic Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that books by diverse authors remain accessible to readers. The bill does not remove existing standards for determining if a book is appropriate, but it adds the additional requirement that a book cannot be excluded or removed because of the perspective it represents, said bill sponsor Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland. Three Republican lawmakers spoke in opposition to the bill, including Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, who said he is concerned that public school libraries carry inappropriate materials that are “sexually explicit” and have “heavy profanity.”
Portland auditor says she won’t take up Zenith investigation Oregon Live | By Gosia Wozniacka Portland’s city auditor Simone Rede doesn’t plan to investigate city staff’s handling of Zenith Energy’s controversial land use applications, according to a letter she sent Wednesday to members of the Portland City Council. The decision comes in response to a resolution passed by the council at the end of March urging Rede to conduct the investigation. The resolution also demanded Mayor Keith Wilson investigate potential violations of Zenith’s franchise agreement, which the mayor said he would do.
Oregon State Hospital’s new leader outlines improvement plan Oregon Live | By Lillian Mongeau Hughes The new, acting superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital released a 30-day plan Wednesday to improve patient safety. One part of Baden’s remit was to quickly release a concrete plan to change how the state’s psychiatric hospital operates to better care for and protect its patients, most of whom have been diagnosed with severe mental illness.
Sewer board grills CEO on plan to restore public trust: ‘I’m concerned I haven’t heard a strong message from you’ Oregon Live | By Jamie Goldberg Washington County’s sewer board chided the utility’s top executive Tuesday for failing to provide sufficient details or outline bold action during a presentation on her agency’s plan to restore public trust.
Oregon advocacy program for kids placed in child welfare brace for cuts after federal funding slash OPB | By Lauren Dake The latest spree of federal budget slashing could mean some of Oregon’s most vulnerable kids, those placed in the child welfare system, have even fewer people looking out for them. The Trump administration announced it would be slashing millions of dollars that normally flow to a program that helps foster youth match with Court Appointed Special Advocates. The advocate helps kids navigate court appointments and life in foster care. The total loss of funding remains unclear, but the national CASA group was set to receive $25 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Justice that have now been rescinded. Those dollars flow to CASA programs in Oregon.
EDUCATION Oregon parents urge state lawmakers to increase public school funding KOIN | By Lisa Balick Hundreds of Oregon parents converged on the state capitol in Salem Wednesday to urge lawmakers to shift more money into the education budget before they adjourn their session in June. “What I’m concerned about are the stories that I hear across the district of kids falling behind in reading, math and social-emotional issues like mental health support,” said Jessica Johnston, a PPS parent. “That’s not who we are as a society. And our kids have the potential to be graduating at much higher levels and reading, writing and thriving. They have that potential, but we’re falling short of helping them realize that, and that’s not who we are as a society.” In individual meetings with lawmakers, parents explained how cuts next fall will mean some kindergarten and first-grade classrooms could have 30 kids and one teacher, with no extra help. They urged legislators to invest more in schools, which could help attract more families to places like Portland, where enrollment is declining.
Governor Kotek signs bills to boost Oregon summer learning programs, stabilize funding KVAL | By Vasili Varlamos Governor Tina Kotek signed a pair of bills Wednesday morning that provide stable funding for the Summer Learning Grant Program and clear guidelines to support summer educational initiatives across the state. The program, established in the 2024 session, aims to improve reading and other educational skills for students from preschool through 12th grade. House Bill 2007 expands the options for who can partner with the state to establish programs. Non-profits, local governments, higher education institutions, and community-based organizations will now be eligible to receive grants for programs that support literacy or academic achievement. The other bill signed into law, House Bill 5047, gives $35 million in state funds to the newly established program fund for the upcoming summer. $47 million is appropriated for both the summers of 2026 and 2027.
Gov. Koteks signs two bills to fund summer learning KGW | By Luisa Anderson Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed two bills into law Wednesday morning that will dedicate funding for summer learning programs and set rules for which programs qualify for grants. House Bill 5047 appropriates $35 million from the general fund to the Oregon Department of Education for the Summer Learning Grant program this summer, but with a maximum expenditure limit of $12 million. For 2026 and 2027, $47 million will be appropriated, with a maximum expenditure limit of $70 million. HB 2007 modifies grant requirements for the Summer Learning Grant program. Among other things, the Department of Education is required to prioritize awarding grants to programs focused on helping students who read below their grade level. Programs may also be eligible if they incorporate "evidence-based" literacy, math, science or language arts instruction, or if they assist with credit recover.
School superintendents urge Oregonians to speak up about federal cuts impacting kids Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Rachel Alexander The superintendents of Oregon’s largest school districts say Trump administration cuts to food banks, threats to withhold public school funding and a budget proposal to eliminate Head Start would have devastating impacts on Oregon children and families.
Oregon responds to U.S. Dept. of Education demands for evidence of student privacy law compliance Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Baumhart Oregon education leaders say they’re already following federal student privacy laws in response to an ultimatum from the U.S. Department of Education over federal funding that implied schools are withholding information from parents related to students’ gender identity.
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Complaints of molestation, abuse at Oregon Youth Authority prompt call for transparency KOIN | By Joey Vacca County juvenile justice directors in Oregon are demanding transparency about the backlog of complaints at the Oregon Youth Authority. The president of the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors’ Association has sent a letter to the governor’s Public Safety Advisor, Valerie Colas, asking for more information surrounding the thousands of cases still open. In the letter, the directors have four big asks. They want to know if youth from their counties are included in this backlog of complaints, and the nature of those complaints. They also want to know, in writing, what OYA has done to improve youth safety since news of this backlog broke in February. The directors are also asking for information about who is providing victim services to the youth who complained, saying that it should not be OYA. And last, they want to make sure OYA does not have oversight authority related to this backlog. McMahan said the impact of this backlog at the local level cannot be overstated.
‘Devastating loss:’ Homeless campers in national forest outside Bend prepare for eviction Oregon Live | By Maxine Bernstein With less than 24 hours until the U.S. Forest Service locks the gate to their sprawling home in the Deschutes National Forest southeast of Bend, longtime campers scrambled Wednesday to move their trucks, cars and at least one old bus to avoid an eviction years in the making. Until recently, he said, authorities have taken a live-and-let-live approach to the encampment. The showdown follows a Forest Service announcement in January of a one-year closure starting Thursday of the 25,804-acre Cabin Butte expanse to reduce the risk of wildfires and restore damaged terrain. But the clash has a long history fueled by Bend’s lack of available housing in a sky-high market and not enough shelter space.
Forest Service closed gate, blocking entry to Deschutes National Forest to homeless campers Oregon Live | By Maxine Bernstein The U.S. Forest Service in the predawn hours Thursday closed the gate leading to the Cabin Butte area of Deschutes National Forest and four forest service SUVs remained stationed beside it as about a dozen campers’ trailers and trucks parked along the road just outside the forest. The closure of the 25,804-acre expanse followed a Forest Service announcement in January. It is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires and restore damaged terrain.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Pacific Northwest earthquake could bring dramatic flooding: Report USA Today | By Joel Shannon Researchers have long warned that a stretch of coast in Oregon and Washington state is capable of producing an incredibly powerful earthquake that could kill thousands, shattering critical bridges, destroying undersea communication cables and producing a tsunami. It's a disaster scenario that "could happen at any time," according to a 2013 analysis. A new report, published on April 28 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights one risk in particular: coastal ground that rapidly drops, causing nearly instantaneous flood risk.
Whose responsibility is eastern Oregon flooding? Oregon Capital Chronicle | Commentary by Randy Stapilus An absence of government action, regulation and ownership and of a strong mutual cooperative effort among people locally -— in contrast to what one person called “kind of a group-hug scenario” — is why, in late March and early April, a lot of Burns was overrun by a flood. The river borders a residential area on the northeast side of town, and high flows there are intended to be contained by an old and informally developed system of levies. Actually, there is no system in a comprehensive sense. The 2.4 miles of levees — barriers against the water, to keep it channeled — stretching across the north and east side of town apparently were built not by a government or formal organization but by local residents, and the approach was not thoroughly organized. Even the history is foggy: There are no clear records of when the levees were built, or exactly by whom. A 2019 report submitted to Harney County officials warned that the levees needed upgrading and repair, but that didn’t happen. One reason is that no one specific person or group had the specific obligation to respond: No federal, state or local agency or private entity, and none had the specific authority to enter
National News Trump’s VA strands thousands of veterans by ending a key mortgage program OPB The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as of Thursday, has ended a new mortgage-rescue program that so far has helped about 20,000 veterans avoid foreclosure and keep their homes. The move leaves millions of military veterans with far worse options than most other American homeowners if they run into trouble paying their home loans. And it comes at a time when nearly 90,000 VA loans are seriously past due, with 33,000 of those already in the foreclosure process, according to the data and analytics firm ICE.
Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health OPB The Trump administration says it will stop paying out $1 billion in federal grants that school districts across the country have been using to hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers. The U.S. Department of Education is telling impacted districts that the Biden administration, in awarding the grants, violated “the letter or purpose of Federal civil rights law.”
Three U.S. Senate Republicans break with Trump on tariffs but Wyden-led rebuke fails Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Ashley Murray Senate Republicans defended President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs Wednesday, blocking a largely symbolic measure to terminate the president’s import taxes that have shocked the economy.
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