Salem-News.com Capitol-watch articles

Hundreds Attend Tea Party Protest in Salem at Oregon Capitol (VIDEO)

The event used both sides of Court Street in front of the capitol building.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A protest event held across the nation today called the Tea Party was a show of will against policies the Obama Administration is bringing forth to revive the economy.

The bottom line, is that the tax breaks under President Bush that benefited the wealthiest Americans, are going back to the way they were in previous years. Most people attending the tea party share the opinion that Obama does not have a good strategy..

Senate Passes Major Investment in Community Colleges and Financial Aid

Increased support will mean greater affordability and increased opportunity for Oregon students.

(SALEM, Ore.) - During a busy weekend session, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 5012, the budget for Oregon’s community colleges, and House Bill 5044, the budget for the Oregon Student Assistance Commission.

Combined, both budgets will mean far greater access for Oregonians to college and will ensure more available classes and additional faculty resources.

Oregon`s Kate Brown Stepping Down as Senate Majority Leader

Brown will facilitate the election of the next Majority Leader.

(SALEM,Ore.) - At a meeting today of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland), informed her colleagues she would be stepping down as Majority Leader after the 2007 Legislature adjourns and a new leader is elected.

“It has been an honor to lead this caucus for the last nine years, and I want to thank my caucus members for their support,” said Senator Brown.

Governor Signs Series of Legislation

Bills advance transparency in government, consumer rights, the environment and public safety.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Governor Ted Kulongoski has signed a sequence of bills intended to help accelerate public record requests, improve the search for missing persons, expand the statute of limitations on Vioxx claims, ensure Oregonians their choice of auto repair shops, create bicycle awareness on roadways, ban offshore oil and gas drilling and add one faculty position on the Board of Higher Education.

Oregon House Cracks Down on Internet Sexual Predators

Predators can now be charged with a crime when they attempt to engage in sex with an underage partner, HB 3515 helps prevent that dangerous situation from ever occurring.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon House of Representatives has unanimously approved a measure that will make it a crime to solicit minors over the Internet.

The bill, HB 3515, creates the crime of online sexual corruption, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and requires those convicted to register as sex offenders in the state.

Oregon Senate Passes Biofuels Legislation

Bill will mean new jobs for Oregon and less dependence on foreign oil.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Senate today passed House Bill 2210, a biofuels package that will develop new jobs in Oregon and will help curb dependence on foreign oil.

The legislation is supported by environmental groups, concerned about toxic air emissions, and the agriculture community, where it is seen as an excellent source for rural economic development.

Governor Signs into Law Consumer Protections on Financial Services

Caps landmark session for consumer reforms to protect working Oregonians.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Citing the importance of ensuring all Oregonians have access to affordable financial services, Governor Ted Kulongoski Tuesday signed four bills that cap the fees on check-cashing and consumer loans, reducing costs to consumers.

“Unfortunately, far too often those who can least afford it to wind up paying the highest price for financial services – shortchanging their paychecks and sometimes creating an insurmountable cycle of debt,” the Governor said.

Oregon Senate Passes Insurance Fairness Legislation

Bill will mean equal coverage for family members involved in auto accidents.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Senate today passed House Bill 3086, legislation that ensures insurance coverage equity for family members involved in automobile accidents.

The legislation provides that family members will receive the full coverage of the policy, eliminating family exclusions that allow only up to $25,000.

However, someone in the accident not related to the person holding the policy would receive full benefits.

Oregon House Approves Landmark Education Budget

Since the 1997 session, no K-12 budget has been approved by a chamber of the legislature before July.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon House of Representatives Tuesday unanimously approved a K-12 education budget that designates $6.245 billion for public education in the next biennium.

Funding for public education in the 2007-09 biennium will increase by 18 percent over 2005-07 levels with the budget approved by the House.

The education budget restores funding that was cut after the state economy slid into a recession in the early part of this decade.

Religious Freedom Act Clears Oregon House

The bill preserves the right, for example, of a Muslim woman to wear a headdress and modest clothing.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon House Democrats championed a bill last week to protect religious liberty for Oregon workers.

The bill would require employers to allow an employee to work with employees on a number of levels including time off and the allowance of religious clothing.