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On this day, June 4, 1990, Janet Adkins, age 54, of Portland, became the first person to use a suicide machine developed by Dr. Kevorkian. This began a national debate over the right to die.

Also on this day, June 4, 1999 a federal judge in Portland ruled that AT&T must open its cable lines to competitors. Also on this day, June 4, 2017, a pro-Trump rally and counter-protest in Portland was marked by multiple arrests and clashes.




Post an Event


Sisters Rodeo
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 6:03 pm
Sisters Rodeo
June 7th-11th
67637 Highway 20

Sisters, OR



Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 8:30 am
Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest June 9th-11th
Cannon, Beach, OR



Portland Rose Festival
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Portland Rose Festival Fri, May 26, 2023 – Sun, Jun 11, 2023
Portland, Oregon



Linn County Pioneer Picnic
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 8:00 am
Linn County Pioneer Picnic June 16, 17, and 18
Pioneer Park Brownsville, Oregon



Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:00 am
Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival June 16th-18th
Clatsop County Fairgrounds 92937 Walluski Loop Astoria, OR 97103



Rogue Music Fest
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Rogue Music Fest
(JUNE 16-17, 2023)

with Eric Church (Friday) and Carrie Underwood (Saturday)
Jackson County Expo 1 Peninger Rd Central Point, OR 97502



Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival Sunday, June 18th, 12 – 5 PM
Collidge‑McClaine City Park Silverton, OR 97381



UTV Takeover
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm
UTV Takeover JUNE 21-25, 2023
Boxcar Hill Campground Coos Bay, Oregon



Lincoln County Fair
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 5:00 pm
June 30-July 2 Lincoln County Fair
Lincoln County Commons 633 NE 3rd St, Newport, OR



St Paul Rodeo
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Small town fun, big time rodeo! JUNE 30 - JULY 4, 2023

St Paul Rodeo website
4174 Malo Avenue NE, Saint Paul, OR, United States, Oregon



Waterfront Blues Festival
Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am
Waterfront Blues Festival July 1-4
Tom McCall Waterfront Park 1400 SW Naito Pkwy. Portland, OR 97201



Marion County Fair
Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The Marion County Fair
July 6-9
Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center 2330 17th ST NE Salem, OR 97301



Overland Expo Pacific Northwest
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 8:00 am
Overland Expo Pacific Northwest July 7th-9th
DESCHUTES COUNTY EXPO CENTER REDMOND, OR



Oregon Country Fair
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 am
Oregon Country Fair July 7,8,9, 2023 11:00am - 7:00pm
Veneta, Oregon



Jackson County Fair
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10:00 am
Jackson County Fair Wed, Jul 12 – Sun, Jul 16
Jackson County Expo 1 Peninger Rd, Central Point, OR



Linn County Fair
Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Linn County Fair

July 13-15
Linn County Fairgrounds 3700 Knox Butte RD

Albany, OR 97322



Miners's Jubilee
Friday, July 14, 2023 at 8:00 am
Miners's Jubilee July 14, 15, & 16; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Geiser Pollman Park 1723 Madison Street Baker City, Oregon



Sherwood Robin Hood Festival
Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:00 am
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival July 14 and 15
22560 SW Pine Street Sherwood, Oregon 97140



Lane County Fair
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 10:00 am
Lane County Fair JULY 19 - 23, 2023
Lane Events Center 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR



Columbia County Fair
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Columbia County Fair July 19 - 23, 2023
Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Saulser Rd, St Helens, OR 97051



Washington County Fair
Friday, July 21, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Washington County Fair

FREE ADMISSION

Washington County Fair
JULY 21 - 30
Westside Commons 801 NE 34th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124



Coos County Fair
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The Coos County Fair
July 25-29
Coos County Fairgrounds 770 4th St, Myrtle Point, OR 97458



Chief Joseph Days Rodeo
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Chief Joseph Days Rodeo July 25 - 30, 2023
Harley Tucker Memorial Arena 405 W. Wallowa Ave. Joseph, OR



Curry County Fair
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Curry County Fair July 26th-29th 2023
Curry County Fairgrounds 29392 Ellensburg Ave, Gold Beach, OR 97444



City of Dallas Krazy Dayz
Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 8:00 am
City of Dallas Krazy Dayz July 27-30th
Downtown Dallas Oregon



Clatsop County Fair
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The Clatsop County Fair
August 1st-5th
Clatsop County Fair and Expo Center 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR 97103



Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 10:00 am
Exhibits, Rides, Rodeo, Nightly Musical Entertainment https://yamhillcountyfairs.com/fair-and-rodeo/general-information-schedule/
Fairgrounds on Lafayette Ave. McMinnville



Benton County Fair
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Benton County Fair AUGUST 2 - 5, 2023
BENTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 110 SW 53rd St. Corvallis, OR



Deschutes County Fair
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Deschutes County Fair August 2 - 6, 2023
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center 3800 SW Airport Wy, Redmond, OR 97756



Vanport Jazz Festival
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 10:00 am
Vanport Jazz Festival August 4th-5th
Colwood Golf Center 7313 NE Columbia Blvd Portland, OR



Oregon Jamboree Music Festival
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The Oregon Jamboree
August 4th-6th
Located on a large field south of Sweet Home High School. The venue extends across the Weddle Covered Bridge to Sankey Park. Sweet Home, Oregon



Dune Fest
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Dune Fest August 8-13, 2023
Oregon Dunes Recreation Area Winchester Bay, OR 97467



Douglas County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 8:00 am
Douglas County Fair AUGUST 9 - 12
Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex 2110 SW Frear Street Roseburg, OR 97471



Grant County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 9:00 am
Grant County Fair August 9 @ 9:00 am - August 12 @ 8:00 pm
Grant County Fairgrounds 411 NW Bridge St. John Day, OR 97845



Tillamook County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 10:00 am
Tillamook County Fair
August 9th-12th
Tillamook County Fairgrounds 4603 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141



Josephine County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 10:00 am
Josephine County Fair August 9th-13th
Josephine County Fairgrounds 1451 Fairgrounds Rd Grants Pass, Oregon



Crook County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Crook County Fair
AUGUST 9 - 12
Crook County Fairgrounds Prineville, Oregon



Umatilla County Fair
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Umatilla County Fair August 9-12
Umatilla County Fairgrounds 1705 E. Airport Rd. Hermiston, OR 97838



Elephant Garlic Festival
Friday, August 11, 2023 at 12:00 pm
25th Annual Elephant Garlic Festival August 11th, 12th and 13th
Jessie Mays Community Center 30975 NW Hillcrest St. North Plains, Oregon 97133



Clackamas County Fair
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Clackamas County Fair August 15-19, 2023
Clackamas County Fairgrounds 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby, OR 97013



Aumsville Corn Festival
Friday, August 18, 2023 at 7:00 am
Aumsville Corn Festival Friday, August 18, 2023 - 6:00pm to Saturday, August 19, 2023 - 6:00pm
595 Main Street Aumsville, OR 97325



Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana
Friday, August 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana August 18th-20th
Legion Park - 1385 Park Ave. Woodburn, OR



Morrow County Fair
Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 7:00 am
Morrow County Fair August 20
Morrow County Fairgrounds 97836 OR-74, Heppner, OR 97836



Farwest
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Farwest Green Industry Show August 23-25
Oregon Convention Center 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR 97232



Northwest Art and Air Festival
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 8:00 am
Northwest Art and Air Festival Aug 25th-27th
Timber Linn Park- 900 Price Rd SE, Albany, OR 97322



Oregon State Fair
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Oregon State Fair
Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301



Siletz Bay Music Festival
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Siletz Bay Music Festival August 25th – September 3rd
Lincoln City, Oregon



Newberg SummerFest
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Newberg SummerFest
August 26-27
Memorial Park Newberg, OR



Walnut City Music Festival
Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Walnut City Music Festival September 2nd-3rd
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way McMinnville, OR



Harney County Fair & Rodeo
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:00 am
99th Harney County Fair and Rodeo September 5th - 9th, 2023
Harney County Fairgrounds 69660 S Egan Rd, Burns, OR 97720



Sublimity Harvest Festival
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Sublimity Harvest Festival September 8-10
11880 Sublimity Rd SE Sublimity, OR



Bandon Cranberry Festival
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 am
Bandon Cranberry Festival
September 9 & 10
Bandon City Park (main venue) Bandon, Oregon



Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 am
Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire
September 9th & 10th
S Kings Valley Hwy & Grant Rd

Monmouth, OR



Pendleton Round-Up
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 5:00 pm
The world famous Pendleton Round-Up
Pendleton Round-Up Grounds 1205 SW Court Ave, Pendleton, OR 97801



Bay Area Fun Festival
Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Bay Area Fun Festival September 16 and 17
Coos Bay, Oregon



Rose City Comic Con
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Rose City Comic Con SEPT. 22 – 24
OREGON CONVENTION CENTER 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Portland, OR 97232



Sisters Folk Festival
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Sisters Folk Festival Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2023
Sisters, OR



Stormy Weather Arts Festival
Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Stormy Weather Arts Festival November 3-5
Cannon Beach, Oregon



Yachats Celtic Music Festival
Friday, November 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Yachats Celtic Music Festival Nov 10, 11, & 12th
Yachats Commons Building 441 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR



Veteran's Day Parade
Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 am
Veteran's Day Parade
Downtown Albany, Oregon



Civil War Oregon State vs. Oregon Football Game
Friday, November 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Civil War- Oregon State Beavers vs. Oregon Ducks Football Game
Autzen Stadium 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Eugene, OR 97401



Christmas Storybook Land
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:30 am
Christmas Storybook Land

December 2 – 16
Linn County Fairgrounds Inside the Cascade Livestock Building 3700 Knox Butte Rd Albany, OR 97322


View All Calendar Events


Another $1 Million on Equity Programs in Oregon
Determined from intersectionality and privilege

In April, Washington County Oregon Health and Human Services gave $1,000,000 to 11 community-based organizations through a grant to that they are saying was to support "community-based organizations" in strengthening "social and emotional wellness across the lifespan".

Washington County says that the goal of this effort was to develop an "equity- and community-centered funding opportunity" that offered organizations the opportunity to select "social and emotional wellness strategies that were trauma-informed and grounded in racial equity approaches".

Washington County says the organizations that were funded will contribute a larger body of work in Washington County that aims to improve behavioral health outcomes among children and youth, adults, and older adults in Washington County, particularly for Black/African American, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, People of Color, immigrant and refugee, LGBTQ+ communities, or those living at the intersection of those identities.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Washington County says the grant awards were selected through a review process that involved internal and external partners.

The organizations listed below were selected for awards under this grant.
--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-03 18:12:53Last Update: 2023-06-03 19:50:50



Portland Catholic Archbishop Sounds off on HB 2002
“The passage of HB 2002 does not need to be inevitable”

Aatholic Archbishop of Portland Alexander Sample has released a statement on HB 2002 which is pending before the Oregon Legislature. The bill has several parts -- many controversial -- but one of the most controversial is that the bill, according to the Legislative Policy and Research Office, "modifies provisions protecting privacy of minor's reproductive health care information and permitted disclosure of information to minor's parent or legal guardian."

Archbishop Sample's statement outlines five major points. The bill has passed the Oregon House by a vote of 36-23, but has stalled in the inactive Oregon Senate, due to the Republican walkout.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-02 19:35:22Last Update: 2023-06-02 19:53:30



Joint Committee on Oversight and Accountability Holds First Meeting
Anonymous tip line available

The Oregon Joint Committee on Oversight and Accountability held its first meeting June 1. Members of the Oregon Legislature and members of the public were invited to bring their experiences and observations related to state government and where it requires greater oversight.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) lead the meeting, and said, “In light of multiple ongoing corruption scandals, we sent a letter to President Wagner and Speaker Rayfield in April requesting the creation of this committee. Democrats were extended three separate invitations to join us. All went unanswered. Republican and Independent members will utilize our own resources to conduct committee meetings until Presiding Officers deem accountability and oversight worthy of their attention, time, and nonpartisan staff. President Wagner has frequently applauded the Oregon Legislature’s rigorous committee process. Our hope is that he and other Democrat leaders see the value in this committee and agree to fully resource it.”

The letter requesting formation of the committee, emphasized, “The OLCC’s actions have been greatly covered in the news over the past several months, with several allegations leading the public to believe this agency is corrupt. We must resolve these issues with full transparency… We understand that in certain instances, investigations are being conducted by the Department of Justice. This is not sufficient. We must provide the standard of oversight and accountability that our Constitution and the people of Oregon expect.”

The first meeting was mostly organizational with the adoption of committee rules and an informational presentation by Reagan Knopp, staffing the committee with Russ Walker, described a website in the making.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“We must hold our state government to a higher standard of transparency. House Republicans are committed to holding state agencies accountable. Last night we began this important work,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville).

Also serving on the committee is Senate Independent Leader Brian Boquist (I-Dallas), Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), and Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City). There are three vacant seats for House Democrats, and three vacant seats for Senate Democrats.

Each member and visiting legislators expressed the need for transparency in government and engage with the public that have observed matters needing investigation. Even though Democrat legislators chose not to show up, their public represented them venting their frustration over the walkout. None spoke to the agenda, or on the issue of accountability for the Senate being conducted in violation of the constitution and statutes, or why the state should give minors full consent over their medical treatments without parents’ knowledge. They all had the same script – it’s your job to show up to work.

If you would like to submit an anonymous tip on government corruption, call our tipline at 541-213-0201. To view a live stream of the meeting go here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-02 19:14:44Last Update: 2023-06-02 19:40:25



Why We Are Denying Quorum In Oregon
Government is not a parent

The Washington Examiner published in their Restoring America column, an article by Senators Daniel Bonham and Kim Thatcher titled “Why we’re denying quorum in Oregon’s Senate.”

In the article they state, “Our motivation is simple: We are protesting the lawlessness and corruption of the Democrats who have controlled our state for decades. This is the only tool we have left to stand up and defend Oregonians…Without the first walkout in Oregon’s history in 1897, we may not have the initiative and referendum process we do today — one of the most direct and democratic aspects of our state Constitution.”

They contend that Measure 113 was passed to scare them away from denying quorum, but it has backfired. “We work for Oregonians, not the government…Our decision to deny quorum now is the result of two immoral bills pushed by Democrats.” Both bills are an attack on the family removing parents’ rights.

House Bill 2395, would create government-sanctioned secrecy between parents and their children, thereby driving a wedge between the family unit by removing parental consent for children to have substance abuse treatment and mental health services, when parents should be informed of all medical and health services their children need.

House Bill 2002, would allow a child of any age to be able to have an abortion without parental knowledge, and change Oregon's current abortion laws to remove any requirement for healthcare providers to notify parents if a minor has an abortion. It would also allow minors to have irreversible sex-change treatments and procedures without their parent’s knowledge.

“Democrats in power are willing to put the full force of government behind this controversial concept, prioritizing their special interests over the well-being of Oregon families,” Bonham and Thatcher stated.

They want to make Oregon a “transgender tourism” state, adding to already being an “abortion tourism” state. House Bill 2002 would give protections to doctors who perform sex-change surgeries in other states, in violation of their state laws, and allows them to “seek refuge” here so they will not lose their medical license, even though they may have lost it in another state. Oregonians and insurance companies will be paying for this.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

House Bill 2002 comes with a $6.2 million price tag, but that doesn’t include the cost the insurance companies will pass along in increased premiums. Insurers will have to cover expenses for transition surgeries and years of treatment will have an astronomical impact on health premiums. Actuaries also factor in increased mental disorders and gender dysphoria as well as increased cases of depression and managed care.

The article states, “Democrats claim this is an expansion of Oregonians’ “rights,” but what it would really do is open up young girls and women to additional harm. Whoever gets an underage girl pregnant needs to be in jail. Instead, these criminals would be able to coach young women and girls about how to get an abortion, destroying the evidence of wrongdoing.”

HB 2002 repeals the protections in ORS 167.820 - concealing the birth of an infant. It would no longer be a crime to conceal the birth of an infant or to prevent a determination of whether it was born dead or alive. This allows for live abortions, abortions after birth, or for a newborn to be bought and sold.

Senator Bonham writes in his newsletter, “As soon as the government steps in, insidious opportunities for pedophiles, sex traffickers, and kidnappers crop up… Parents are financially, legally, and morally responsible for their children. This should be an inalienable understanding about the relationship between parent and child. I find it extraordinarily disturbing that the majority party seeks to protect their activist agenda at the expense of children's lives. The government is not a parent; it never has been and never will be.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-02 13:23:02Last Update: 2023-06-01 23:53:52



Portland Settles Sidewalk Blockage Suit
The lawsuit pits disabled persons against homeless persons

The City of Portland has settled a federal lawsuit with several persons claiming that "Federal disability access laws were enacted to provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate fully in civic life." According to the complaint filed in federal court, the lawsuit was brought "to address the City’s systemic failure to provide full and equal access to its sidewalks to Plaintiffs and similarly situated persons with mobility disabilities."

The complaint cites the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The first named plaintiff, whence the suit gets it's name is Tiana Tozer who -- according to court documents -- "lives in the Irvington neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and works in Downtown Portland. Ms. Tozer has a mobility disability that limits her ability to walk."

The lawsuit pits disabled persons against homeless persons. Simply put, "The City has failed and continues to fail to maintain its sidewalks clear of debris and tent encampments, which is necessary to make its sidewalks readily accessible to people with mobility disabilities. Indeed, a substantial number of the City’s sidewalks—particularly those in the City’s busiest business corridors—do not comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations because they are blocked by tent encampments and attendant debris, rendering the sidewalks inaccessible, dangerous, and unsanitary for people with mobility disabilities."

The complaint offers some detail about some of the worst locations. "Simply, the City’s sidewalks, when viewed in their entirety, are not readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility disabilities due to the City’s failure to maintain clear sidewalks free of debris and tent encampments. Indeed, the City’s most glaring violations are centered in Portland’s Old Town, Chinatown, Downtown, and Pearl District areas, as well as locations on the City’s east side, including the Central Eastside Industrial District, the Lloyd District, and the areas surrounding Laurelhurst Park, Lone Fir Cemetery, and Sunnyside Elementary School.

According to the settlement agreement, the city will: The Portland City Council enacted an emergency ordinance to approve the settlement.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-01 22:38:37Last Update: 2023-06-01 23:19:55



Oregon Democrat Leaders Display Desperation
Republican Senators threatened with $325 per day fine

Virtually every day articles are release decrying what the Senate Republicans are doing to government by staying out of the capitol. Here is one week's sampling of their desperate attempts to sway public opinion to ignore the real issue. All can be read here. On the opposite side, the Oregon Republican Senators have one response:

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senate President Rob Wagner announced on the Senate Floor today that he would compel the attendance of absent members and impose a fine of $325 per day beginning Monday June 5th, 2023.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement: “One thing remains clear: President Wagner is insistent on facilitating an unlawful, uncompromising, unconstitutional agenda. Once again, he has retaliated against members who are exercising their right to peacefully protest his own unlawful, hyperpartisan actions.”

“Senate Republicans don’t feel compelled to entertain his political theater. In fact, we suggest President Wagner pay our fines since it is his behavior that galvanized our protest. “

“If Democrats want us to provide a quorum before June 25th, they must agree to follow Senate Rules, follow the law, and work to put forward constitutional, bipartisan bills that don’t violate a parents’ sacred right to love and care for their child. Senate Republicans will not be bullied into allowing the lawlessness to continue.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-01 16:49:53Last Update: 2023-06-01 23:26:20



Governor Focus Is On Returning To Status Quo
Republicans will not abandon parents rights

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek attempted to insert herself into discussions on the pause in the Oregon Senate but didn’t come prepared to make good on her commitment to serve Oregonians – all Oregonians, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said.

Democrat leaders blast Republicans for not showing up to pass their agenda. Representative Daniel Nguyen (D-Lake Oswego, SW Portland) said, “When Senate Republicans refuse to respect our democracy and take a vote on critical legislation, Oregonians – many who have small businesses – are the ones who pay the price.”

There is a growing development that this session could be the least expensive for small businesses there has been in many years. One small business owner commented to Northwest Observer that he still has not recovered from the lock down, and he has never seen a session that ends with taxpayers and small businesses better off.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senator Knopp stated, “Republicans entered good-faith discussions with the Governor over the last several days. Our goal was to find a bipartisan resolution for the end of Session resulting in the passage of substantially bipartisan budgets and bills. Unfortunately, the Governor was focused on a return to the status quo: an agenda that is unlawful, uncompromising, and unconstitutional.”

Perhaps the Governor is concerned with the number of bills that will be found unlawful that were pushed through by the majority party without a single Republican vote. Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) and rural legislators filed legal action against the Senate President and Secretary that is in Circuit Court now. Rural Senators have filed numerous constitutional and statutory complaints against the President and Secretary since January 2023.

The Governor may be facing another resignation as accusations are mounting against Senate President Wagner. He is accused of denying medical absences for Republican Senators while excusing the same for Democrats. Others were refused religious accommodation that has been granted for over 160 years, and still others were excused. Further complaints include refusal to adjust and meet Oregon Constitution and statutes regarding plain language requirements. Even the Legislative Counsel has opinioned that this type of complaint must be investigated.

“If Democrats want us to provide a quorum before June 25th,” Knopp said, “they must agree to follow Senate Rules, follow the law, and work to put forward constitutional, bipartisan bills that don’t violate a parents’ sacred right to love and care for their child. In the meantime, we will continue to work every day on behalf of the Oregonians we took an oath to represent.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-01 10:46:45Last Update: 2023-06-01 02:17:08



Oregon Democrats Announce $4 Billion Public Safety Package
Priority safety bills differ on what it will take

Oregon Democrat legislative leaders announce more than $4 billion for the Public Safety and Accountability Budget framework for their Safer Oregon Agenda. If approved, the package would support core law enforcement agencies and make targeted investments in keeping Oregon families safe and addressing serious crime, including: The Legislature will also be directing significant resources to the Oregon Public Defense System to ensure a fair legal system, and investing in behavioral health crisis response services through omnibus legislation like House Bill 2395, which would address the fentanyl crisis in a targeted and strategic manner to reduce drug trafficking.

This Safer Oregon Agenda includes 13 bills with additional funding requests for coordination between the state and local law enforcement to address retail theft rings of an unspecified amount, funding $6 million for Children’s Advocacy Centers to prevent sexual abuse, and $10 million funding for the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund.

At the opening of the session, the Oregon House Republican Caucus announced their 2023 priorities. One of four priorities was Supporting Law Enforcement and Increasing Community Safety. That package included: Then in March the House Republican Caucus proposed the Safe Schools Package offering seven bills with two having bipartisan support. They proposed common sense safe guards for schools and a study related to hiring retired police officer to provide security in schools. That was followed in April with a Safe Communities Package, which laid out 16 Senate bills that had very little cost.

Early March Senate Republicans offered three bills requested by victims that would collectively support victims of sex crimes and promote justice after Richard Gillmore, a serial rapist of at least 9 victims was released from prison. “We have three bills that we think are critically important in keeping Oregonians safe and keeping violent perpetrators in prison,” said Senator Knopp.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Very few of the Republican bills received a hearing. Now “safety” is being formulated on Democrat terms to create public interest. A new bill in the package is HB 3443, which prohibits landlords from terminating lease or taking other specified actions due to status of tenant as victim of bias crime. Senate committees continue to pass bills without Republican representation staking up bills for a floor vote. They also made sure to include the controversial firearms bills, HB 2572 and HB 2005. A list of the bills can be viewed here.

“The people of Oregon were loud and clear that making our streets and communities safer must be one of our top priorities this session,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Springfield & Eugene). “With this package, we are taking direct aim at the root causes of crime and improving law enforcement response to ensure every Oregonian feels safe and secure wherever they live in our state.”

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) agreed with the priority, but differs on how to resolve Oregon’s unsafe environment.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-05-31 12:09:36Last Update: 2023-06-01 15:22:57



Oregon Food Bank Gets Political
Nonprofits are prohibited from any political campaigning

The Oregon Food Bank tweeted something at 5:00 PM on May 26, 2023 that is turning some heads.

"Senators who walk off the job are walking away from their responsibility to the million+ Oregonians who will seek food assistance this year. Tell our legislators to do what’s right and come back to work on behalf of people facing hunger in Oregon." declared the tweet.

The tweet and other messaging sent from OFB were referring to a bill that they are urging a vote on that is currently stuck in the legislature due to the Oregon Senate Republicans walking out in protest of controversial legislation being pushed by the Democrats.

Republican Representive Ed Diehl (HD-17) tweeted in response, "Is this really an appropriate position to take for a taxpayer funded operation? How about asking the Democrat Senators to seek compromise, seek common ground, instead of shoving wildly unpopular legislation down our throats? I think you are out of line by taking sides on this issue."

Nonprofit entities are prohibited from any political campaigning, according to the IRS. Many observers are wondering if some Oregon nonprofits are disobeying the law.

Non profits such as The Oregon Food Bank are also required to provide transparency of their operations to the public.

These days, in the age of information, this information is easily accessible online. Susannah Morgan is the CEO of OFB and makes $199,231 a year. There are six other paid directors of OFB that make six-figure salaries.

They spent $9,482 in one year in lobbying expenses, which doesn't seem to include $112K salary to Moira Bowman, director of advocacy. The Department of Justice, Charitable Activities regulates charitable activities in Oregon, including nonprofit corporations organized for a public benefit.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-31 07:43:03Last Update: 2023-05-31 10:42:53



Oregon Hospital Rule Changes Proposed
Linn, Marion counties want state mental hospital rules changes

Linn County Oregon has announced that they are joining with Marion County in asking for changes in how long criminal defendants can be held at the Oregon State Mental Hospital. Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker have all agreed.

In September 2022, a federal judge ruled that criminal defendants could not be housed at the hospital for more than one year. The decision also means anyone charged with a misdemeanor cannot be housed at the state hospital and those services must be provided at the county level.

According to a letter to Gov. Kotek and David Baden interim director of the Oregon Health Authority, Marion County Commissioners Colm Willis, Kevin Cameron and Danielle Bethell contend that decision, “essentially ended all civil commitments to the state hospital and has left more individuals with untreated behavioral health needs requiring a hospital level of care in our communities.”

Commissioner Nyquist said the state is failing to adequately operate a state mental hospital that meets the statewide needs. He added the mental health issues are a key factor in why many people are homeless. He said the state must add capacity to meet those needs.

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Commissioner Sprenger, who previously served as a state representative, said reducing the number of beds at the state hospital has been a legislative policy statement for several years.

Marion County and now Linn County, are asking:
--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-30 19:06:12Last Update: 2023-05-30 19:20:31



Republicans Blast Senate President Wagner
“This is not good faith bipartisanship”

The Oregon State Senate Republican Caucus have released a memo declaring Senate President Rob Wagner’s recent actions in the state capitol as unlawful, uncompromising, and unconstitutional.

Actions they are saying began long before the constitutional walkout protest.

“Democratic majority rule is constrained by laws and the provisions of our Constitution. When the majority breaks these laws and willingly chooses to ignore them, they are in violation of their sacred oath of office and trampling on the very mechanisms that maintain a healthy representative democracy. It is our duty to protect these mechanisms of the law and vigorously hold them accountable. Rob Wagner is driving representative democracy off a cliff. We will not merely be a speed bump to these reckless and partisan violations of our laws,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend)."

The Senate Republican have pointed out some highlights:

Eliminating Public Hearing:

Rob Wagner has allowed an extremely partisan bill, SB 393, to pass out of committee without a public hearing. There is no greater example of driving democracy into a ditch by allowing bills to pass without holding a public hearing.

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Silencing Oregonians that are represented by Republicans:

Rob Wagner killed the entire Senate Republican Equitable Oregon agenda. He did this despite Republicans and Independents representing nearly 2 million Oregonians and roughly 90% of Oregon’s natural resource lands. Later, Republicans attempted to bring 75 bills to the floor for consideration and Rob Wagner led his Caucus in voting no on each of these critical discussions. This is not good faith bipartisanship.

Refusing Common Sense Bipartisanship:

Rob Wagner refuses Republican and Independent legislators requests to set up a bipartisan, bicameral, even-numbered committee on oversight and accountability.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-30 16:38:32Last Update: 2023-05-30 16:53:12



Oregon House Refers Ranked Choice Voting to Ballot
Oregonians want election integrity

Oregon House passed House Bill 2004 with bipartisan support, which would establish a plan for implementing ranked choice voting (RVC) in Oregon, for voter consideration.

RCV requires voters to rank candidates by preference instead of voting for just one person. A candidate wins by receiving a majority of the first-preference votes cast. When there is no majority winner, this method allows for an instant runoff. The candidate with the lowest number of first-preference votes is eliminated and their vote is transferred to their second preference candidate. This process continues until a candidate achieves a majority of the votes cast.

Supporters claim if approved, this legislation would: Opponents are questioning:


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