Bipartisan Bill Looks To Increase Firefighter Benefits
Wildland firefighters who die on the job would get up to $100,000 in death benefits under new bipartisan legislation.
Jeff Merkley
Northwest Lawmakers Look To Extend Secure Rural Schools
The money that keeps rural schools and roads running dried up Thursday. Four senators already have a plan to restore it.
Bipartisan Bill Looks To Promote Prescribed Fires
The Senate unanimously backed a wildfire prevention bill that lets states use controlled burns to clear dangerous fuel buildup before fire season hits hard.
Oregon, Washington Lawmakers Want USDA To Purchase Pacific Hake
West Coast fishing communities are hurting as overseas markets dry up. Oregon and Washington lawmakers want federal help to stabilize the industry before it's too late.
Oregon Senators Want To Improve Water Resilience Across the West
Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced a water resilience bill this week addressing Oregon's growing drought crisis. The legislation would invest in watershed improvements and infrastructure projects.
Oregon Gets Funding To Help Pollinators Along Roadways
Oregon's highways are getting a boost for pollinator habitats, thanks to new federal funding aimed at supporting native bees and butterflies.
Merkley, Wyden Announce Millions To Supports Oregon Timber
Idle sawmills, small-diameter logs, and wildfire risk all connect in a $15.1 million federal investment hitting 20 Oregon wood industry projects.
Merkley Proposes Bill To Expand Summer Learning Opportunities
School libraries sitting empty all summer while kids fall behind on reading is a problem Senator Jeff Merkley says his new legislation is trying to fix.
Merkley, Wyden Warn RD Reorganization Will Hurt Rural America
Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined 20 other senators in opposing a USDA reorganization they say could gut programs that fund rural water systems, broadband, small businesses, and health clinics across Oregon.
Oregon Legislators Look To Expand Summer Meal Access
Oregon lawmakers are backing a bill that would fund mobile meal programs for rural kids during summer — an idea that started with one converted van in the Umatilla School District.