Local Politics

Politics 14 mayors seek limits for soda buys with food stamps 14 mayors seek limits for soda buys with food stamps
By Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press Published: Jun 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM PDT Last Updated: Jun 19, 2013 at 10:35 AM PDT
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales has joined mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 14 other cities to revive a push against letting food stamps be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
Politics Oregon Senate votes down schools budget Oregon Senate votes down schools budget
By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: Jun 17, 2013 at 1:16 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 17, 2013 at 5:42 PM PDT
The Oregon Senate has voted down a $6.55 billion budget for primary and secondary schools after one Democrat and all 14 Republicans said it didn't provide enough money.
Politics Oregon, Alaska and Montana oppose Internet sales tax Oregon, Alaska and Montana oppose Internet sales tax
By MATT VOLZ, Associated Press Published: Jun 12, 2013 at 3:14 PM PDT
The attorneys general from three states without sales taxes sent letters to all 435 U.S. House representatives Wednesday urging them to oppose an Internet tax bill, saying the measure is unconstitutional and could prompt a legal challenge if it passes.
Politics GOP leaders look for sustainable, robust PERS reforms GOP leaders look for sustainable, robust PERS reforms
By Steve Benham KATU.com Politics Editor Published: Jun 7, 2013 at 4:25 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 10, 2013 at 3:49 PM PDT
Republican Senate and House leaders said Thursday they are aiming for a plan that makes PERS sustainable and one that can take savings from a reformed system and use it to fund schools and other services like public safety.
Politics Wyden questions the value of NSA phone data collection Wyden questions the value of NSA phone data collection
By KATU.com Staff Published: Jun 7, 2013 at 4:23 PM PDT
Sen. Ron Wyden said Friday in a statement that "after years of review, we believe statements that this very broad Patriot Act collection has been “a critical tool in protecting the nation” do not appear to hold up under close scrutiny."
Politics Oregon lobbying bill may create unintended loophole Oregon lobbying bill may create unintended loophole
By JONATHAN J. COOPER, Associated Press Published: Jun 5, 2013 at 2:55 PM PDT
A bill tweaking Oregon's government ethics laws could end up creating a new loophole that would allow lobbyists to buy food, drinks and entertainment for senior state officials without reporting the expenditures.