Local Politics

Politics Oregon budget talks to gain momentum with econ report

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 7:30 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 7:30 AM PDT

Economists are scheduled to tell the Oregon Legislature on Thursday how much money they expect the state to collect over the next two years. Armed with those numbers, lawmakers will accelerate the tough balancing act of divvying up the money.

Politics Opponents seek statewide vote on immigrant driver's card law

By The Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 4:07 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 4:08 PM PDT

The Oregon House has given final approval to a bill that would grant driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

Politics Ore. Governor to feds: 'No casino in Medford'

By Associated Press Published: May 7, 2013 at 12:45 PM PDT Last Updated: May 7, 2013 at 12:46 PM PDT

Gov. John Kitzhaber has asked the federal government to reject a proposal by an Oregon tribe to start a casino in Medford.

Politics Senate passes bill letting new moms keep placentas

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: May 6, 2013 at 2:08 PM PDT Last Updated: May 6, 2013 at 6:09 PM PDT

The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill that will allow hospitals to release placentas to mothers who've just given birth.

Politics Second 'seclusion cell' bill awaits governor's signature (Video)

By Anna Canzano KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: May 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM PDT Last Updated: May 3, 2013 at 4:02 PM PDT

The Oregon Senate has unanimously passed a second bill addressing the use of so-called 'seclusion cells' in public schools.

Politics Immigrants cheer signing of driver's card bill (Photo Gallery)

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: May 1, 2013 at 12:32 PM PDT Last Updated: May 2, 2013 at 12:48 AM PDT

Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a bill that will let people living in Oregon without documentation obtain driver's licenses and he was cheered on by a large crowd of immigrants.

Politics Kitzhaber to sign immigrant driver's card bill

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 30, 2013 at 4:46 PM PDT Last Updated: May 1, 2013 at 12:31 AM PDT

The Oregon House has given final approval to a bill that would grant driver's licenses to immigrants living in the country illegally.

Politics Four things to watch this week in the Ore. Legislature

By Associated Press Published: Apr 28, 2013 at 7:40 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 6:51 AM PDT

Here are four things to watch this week in the Oregon Legislature.

Politics Election worker in Oregon ballot-altering case to plead guilty

By Steven DuBois, Associated Press Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:43 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:43 AM PDT

Deanna Swenson of Oregon City was arrested last fall after another election worker saw her filling in ovals on ballots where preferences had been left empty by voters.

Politics Multnomah County tightens its gun control laws

By KATU.com Staff Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 1:19 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 1:54 PM PDT

Multnomah County Commissioners unanimously passed a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which will go into effect in 30 days.

Politics Oregon House OKs bill allowing dogs in cougar hunts

By Associated Press Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 11:18 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 24, 2013 at 2:52 PM PDT

The Oregon House has approved a bill to let counties authorize the use of dogs to hunt cougars. Voters banned the practice statewide in 1994, with opponents saying it's inhumane.

Politics Oregon bars with patios face time restrictions (Photo Gallery)

By STEVEN DUBOIS, Associated Press Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 8:44 AM PDT

Members of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission are scheduled to vote Thursday on new time restrictions for bars with outdoor seating next to residential property.

Politics Ore. lawmakers have strong PERS ties. Conflict of interest?

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: Apr 24, 2013 at 7:53 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 24, 2013 at 7:53 AM PDT

Oregon House members will vote Wednesday on a Democratic plan to cut inflation adjustments in pension checks for retired government workers. The decision will affect the pocketbooks of dozens of lawmakers with state pension savings.

Politics Oregon Senate gives green light to immigrant driver's license bill

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 2:18 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 10:28 PM PDT

The bill would allow immigrants, among others, who have lived in Oregon for at least a year and meet other requirements, to apply for driver's licenses without proving legal presence.

Politics Bill could end tax-free online shopping

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press Published: Apr 23, 2013 at 7:20 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 23, 2013 at 9:54 AM PDT

The bill making its way through the Senate would empower states to require online retailers to collect state and local sales taxes for purchases made over the Internet.