Latest Oregon state government News
Drug treatment, wildfire response and new jobs: Oregon Democrats cite bills at risk amid GOP walkout
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Democratic lawmakers stood on the steps of the state Capitol Tuesday and implored Republicans, who have been boycotting the Senate, to return and vote on a number of bipartisan bills that are at risk of dying because of a political standoff that has now lasted a month. ...
GOP walkout in Oregon Senate now in 5th week; uncertain if boycotters will be sanctioned
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The longest-ever walkout in the Oregon Legislature completed its fourth week on Wednesday as the enforceability of a ballot measure that would disqualify the boycotters from immediate reelection appeared in doubt. By all appearances, Oregon’s 2023 legislative...
2 North Carolina state legislators lose leadership roles following remarks
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Two North Carolina state House Republicans have lost their caucus leadership positions following recent comments directed at Democratic colleagues questioning their educational attainment and religion. Reps. Keith Kidwell and Jeff McNeely have resigned as...
As Oregon Senate GOP boycott hits 'crucial point,' governor begins talks
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has begun meeting with Democratic and Republican leaders in the statehouse to try to end a three-week-old boycott by GOP senators. Her office said Wednesday this year's troubled legislative session has reached “a crucial point.” No...
Boycotting Oregon GOP senators vow to stay away until last day of session
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Republican senators whose walkout of the Oregon Senate has prevented a quorum for almost three weeks said Tuesday they're not coming back until the very last day of the legislative session next month. The walkout, which began on May 3 ostensibly because bill...
Labor union says it will start recall effort against Oregon state lawmaker
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — One of Oregon’s largest labor unions says it’s going to try to oust a Democratic state lawmaker who has been a longtime labor ally. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 said Monday it had filed paperwork to initiate a recall effort against Rep. Paul...
End of an era? GOP walkout shows political chasm where 'The Oregon Way' once meant bipartisan trust
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon has long been seen as a quirky state whose main city was satirized in a TV comedy, where rugged country folk and urban hipsters could get along and political differences could be settled over a pint or two of craft beer. But with a Republican walkout in...
Nevada Democrats scrap fentanyl bill, amend companion bill to adjust drug penalty proposal
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A bill that would enhance fentanyl penalties in Nevada did not pass after a hearing in an Assembly committee, while a companion bill was significantly amended in a last-minute shift for Nevada Democratic leadership's plans to send fentanyl legislation to the governor's...
$2 billion budget bump: Oregon GOP walkout stalls two-year funding plan amid rosy revenue forecast
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon's latest state revenue forecast far exceeded expectations Wednesday, giving lawmakers more money for a two-year budget that's due in June, but a walkout by Senate Republicans has jeopardized the process and they show no signs of planning to return to the chamber. ...
Why a drug decriminalization crisis looms for Washington state lawmakers
SEATTLE (AP) — After voting down a bill last month to keep drug possession illegal and boost services for people struggling with addiction, Washington lawmakers are entering a special legislative session to find a compromise before a temporary law keeping the possession of small amounts of drugs...
