GOP Says Increased Lodging Tax Will Help Oregon Ranchers
From ranchers to tourists, this proposed tax is stirring up opinions across Oregon.
Oregon legislature
Oregon’s Short Legislative Session Is Underway
Transportation funding will be one of the biggest issues during the legislative session, as will FFA funding.
Bill Looks To Address Fire Insurance In Oregon
Last week, the Oregon House passed a bill that attempts to help homeowners in high-risk fire areas keep their insurance. Some property owners report losing coverage. Medford-area state Senator Jeff Golden said the bill directs the state to help communities take action to reduce wildfire risk.
"All prope...
Could Lottery Dollars Be Used To Fight Oregon Wildfires?
Oregon lawmakers are trying to find a regular source of funding to pay for fighting wildfires. Fighting wildfires across the state costs around $300 million annually. The Legislature is trying to find a regular source to pay that bill, instead of relying only on the general fund. State Senator Fre...
Could Changes Be Coming To Oregon’s Initiative Process?
Oregon voters could decide whether to raise the bar on the initiative petition process. Currently, paid signature gatherers focus on the metro area, where it's easy to fill petition sheets. But state Senator Todd Nash said that ignores rural Oregon.
"Getting i...
Oregon Looks At How To Fund Wildfire Efforts
State lawmakers are looking for new ways to fund wildland firefighting efforts in Oregon. 2024 was a record year for the size and cost of wildfires across the Beaver State. Doug Graf, Governor Tina Kotek’s advisor on wildfire prevention, told lawmakers last week they can't keep going to the general fund.
"The sustainable...
Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map Could Be Scrapped
A controversial law involving Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map would be repealed, under a bill in the Legislature. The map would have required property owners to take steps to reduce wildfire risk on their property. Derrick Wheeler, with the Department of Forestry, said the new bill would remove those requirements.
"It removes the ...
OFB: HB 2548 Will Take Control Away From Farmers
The Oregon Farm Bureau is warning the Ag and non-Ag industry alike of the detrimental impact House Bill 2548 would have on the entire farming industry. OFB spokesperson Jenny Dresler says HB 2548 looks to create a Workforce Standards Board for Agriculture.
...
Oregon Looks At Moving To Year-Round Standard Time
Clocks change to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday.
But two bills in the Oregon Legislature could eventually make that twice-a-year change obsolete. State Senator Dick Anderson wants Standard Time all year.
"A growing body of research has shown that regions in countries that have abolished Daylight Saving Time, such as Arizona and Hawaii, have seen positive results," he noted.
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Could T-Bone Become Oregon’s Steak?
Oregon could soon have an officially designated state steak. A bill in the legislature aims to honor the T-Bone.
“It features two premium cuts, the strip steak and the tenderloin, symbolizing the diversity and strength of ranching operations across the state," noted Oregon Cattlemen’s Association President-Elect Diane Wirth. She added her group unanimous...