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Oregon News
TRANSPORTATION
Republicans SOUND THE ALARM Over INSANE Democrat Power Grab in Oregon That Will Make You POORER!
By David Medina
To stay up to date and join the fight against this TYRANNY, go to https://notaxor.com/.
What to know about new ODOT accountability measures, audits and reporting requirements
Statesman Journal | By Anastasia Mason
Kotek has not yet signed the bill. She has until Nov. 12 to do so.
The governor's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding when Kotek will sign the bill into law. Kotek has been criticized for not yet signing it because every day she delays shortens the timeline to collect signatures for a potential referendum focused on the bill's cost increases to Oregonians.
TriMet, contractor to pay Portland $7.5M over botched construction project
The Oregonian | By Shane Dixon Kavanaugh
Portland leaders on Wednesday agreed to accept $7.5 million from the region’s public transit agency and a hired contractor following a botched construction project in the city’s Central Eastside.
POLITICS
The Clock for SNAP Benefits Is Ticking Down
Willamette Week | By Khushboo Rathore
Oregon sits on a “rainy day fund” of $2.9 billion, and lawmakers have tapped its interest earnings for emergency uses as recently as June to fight wildfires.
It is unclear whether the state has a plan to fill the gap for SNAP recipients.
As of Wednesday afternoon’s press deadline, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s office did not have a comment on any plans here. The governor is currently in Asia on a trade mission. On Wednesday evening, Kotek’s office announced a modest state donation of $5 million to food banks across the state.
Kotek declares food security emergency, directs $5M to food banks as SNAP benefits expire
KATU | By Steve Benham
Governor pressed on response
Kotek's order came after other governors took some sort of emergency action in their states earlier in the week to respond to the expiration of SNAP benefits. On Monday, KATU then asked her through her office whether she planned on stepping in to use state resources.
On Tuesday, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson directed more than $2 million a week to local food banks. His office said the payments will continue until the government shutdown ends.
Several hours before Kotek announced her emergency order on Wednesday, state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, criticized the governor's leadership in dealing with the expiring benefits.
“Where is our governor? It’s been weeks since notices went out to Oregonians that SNAP benefits would end. It's clear Governor Kotek is not acting with urgency to protect struggling families," Drazan said in a news release.
Oregon Gov. Kotek sends $5 million to food banks ahead of SNAP cutoff
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri
And in Oregon, state Sen. Christine Drazan, a Canby Republican who launched her campaign for governor against Kotek this week, criticized Kotek before her Wednesday order for not moving quickly to provide assistance. She highlighted a Washington plan announced Wednesday which orders the disbursement of $2.2 million in state funds each week to food banks across the state.
“If Washington State can step up to protect its residents, why can’t Oregon?” Drazan said in a statement. “Families can’t wait for the Governor to play catch up. We need leadership and action now.”
Gov. Tina Kotek sends $5M to food banks, as 757,000 Oregonians brace for lapse in federal SNAP benefits
The Oregonian | By Aimee Green
Hours before Kotek announced she was devoting $5 million to SNAP recipients, Republican candidate for governor Sen. Christine Drazan excoriated Kotek for what she saw as failing to lead during a hunger crisis.
“Where is our governor?” Drazan asked in a news release. “It’s been weeks since notices went out to Oregonians that SNAP benefits would end. It’s clear Governor Kotek is not acting with urgency to protect struggling families.”
Oregon Gov. Kotek sends $5 million to food banks as SNAP cutoff date gets closer
OPB | By Lauren Dake
Shortly before Kotek’s announcement, state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, who announced she’s running for governor this week, criticized Kotek for not acting with enough urgency to provide assistance.
“It’s been weeks since notices went out to Oregonians that SNAP benefits would end. It’s clear Governor Kotek is not acting with urgency to protect struggling families,” Drazan said in a statement.
Oregon Treasury reducing public pension investments in private equity
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Baumhardt
After criticism that the Oregon Investment Council overinvested public pension dollars in private equity funds, Treasurer Steiner is calling for a strategy shift.
2026 ELECTION
State Rep. Ken Helm to retire in 2026, endorses Beaverton city councilor
Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Alex Baumhardt
State Rep. Ken Helm, a Democrat representing Beaverton and Cedar Hills, will retire from the Oregon Legislature at the end of 2026 after more than a decade in office.
TRUM ADMIN VS. OREGON
Trial begins over Trump's fight to deploy National Guard troops to Oregon
Fox News
The Trump administration will face off with Oregon state leaders in court on Wednesday over whether the president can federalize National Guard troops and deploy them to Portland, a city President Donald Trump has said is "war ravaged" and in need of military reinforcements.
ECONOMY
Popular downtown Salem bar will close its doors on Halloween
Statesman Journal | By Whitney Woodworth
Longtime downtown Salem spot The Night Deposit Whiskey Library will host its last night of drinking, dancing and deejaying on Halloween.
HOMELESSNESS
Portland to more strictly enforce city’s camping ban starting Saturday
The Oregonian | By Lillian Mongeau Hughes
Beginning Nov. 1, Portland police will more strictly enforce the city’s camping ban, according to an announcement Thursday from Mayor Keith Wilson.
HEALTH CARE
700 OHSU medical professionals vote to authorize strike
The Oregonian | By Kristine de Leon
About 700 nurse practitioners, physician associates and nurse midwives at Oregon Health & Science University have voted by a wide margin to authorize a strike.
EDUCATION
Are the kids OK? A look at how a generation of COVID students is faring in Oregon
OPB | By Natalie Pate
There’s been some but little recovery since the global pandemic shuttered brick-and-mortar schools. McMinnville shows there’s hope if the right support is in place.
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