Dirk VanderHart

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Nurses and supporters picket outside of Providence Milwaukie Hospital on June 18, 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Bill to offer unemployment pay to striking workers sets up clash in Salem

Labor groups argue the bill would extend a crucial lifeline to workers. Employers say it would lead to longer strikes.

Feb 6

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The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon’s drug decriminalization experiment appears dead

The voter-approved Measure 110 is nearing its end as the Legislature sends a bill unwinding Oregon’s drug decriminalization to Gov. Tina Kotek

Mar 4, 2024

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Oregon State Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Democrats agree to stronger criminal penalties for drug possession

A negotiated bill that includes the potential of six months in jail is expected to have momentum in the Capitol

Feb 22, 2024

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Oregon Capitol in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

As drug criminalization debate rages, Oregon lawmakers consider creating a new misdemeanor

Democrats and Republicans are seeing whether they can find compromise over what kinds of consequences drug users might face

Feb 13, 2024

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Gov. Tina Kotek speaks to reporters during a media availability on the rooftop of The Independence Hotel in Independence, Oregon on April 14, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek indicates she would sign a bill recriminalizing drug possession

The subject is expected to be a flash point in this year’s legislative session

Feb 8, 2024

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The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Democrats unveil bill to recriminalize drug possession, step up access to treatment

Three years after Oregon eliminated criminal consequences, influential lawmakers say it’s time for a course correction. Republicans say the changes wouldn’t be enough.

Jan 25, 2024

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Oregon Recovers director Mike Marshall bounced from state alcohol task force over Facebook post

Gov. Tina Kotek took Marshall off a task force considering higher beer and wine taxes because of a post her office called insensitive and inappropriate

Jan 9, 2024

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The Capitol Building in Salem. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Law enforcement officials press lawmakers to tighten Oregon’s drug laws

Police and sheriff’s departments around Oregon say they want authority to arrest people who use and possess drugs as a way to steer them to treatment

Nov 7, 2023

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The Capitol Building in Salem, Ore., on March 21, 2023. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

Oregon Democrats consider watering down abortion, gun bills in order to get Senate Republicans to return

After nearly 10 hours of negotiations over the weekend, top lawmakers arrived at a tentative framework for rescuing the 2023 session. Both sides stress a deal hasn’t been made.

Jun 13, 2023