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Oregon Capital Chronicle provides a safe place for discussion of state issues and policies. We invite you to participate in civil discourse that is informative, engaging and thought provoking. Of particular interest are pieces that consider solutions – how do we as Oregonians fix an issue or progress on better care of our people and […]
Oregon Farm Bureau names new lobbyist
The Oregon Farm Bureau has appointed a new director of government affairs. In her new role, Lauren Smith will be responsible for several issues, including wildfire, wildlife taxes and transportation. “Lauren’s role will be to advocate for and with our farm bureau members at the Capitol, in the courts and within regulatory agencies,” Anne Marie […]
Oregon nursing group, resigned to mandate, wants ‘bold’ action to address staffing shortages
With the Covid-19 vaccine mandate looming, the Oregon Nurses Association stepped into the fray on Thursday, calling on the state to take “bold” action to give relief to nurses strained by exhausting shifts relief and to train a new corps. In a news conference, association officials called on hospitals to allow nurses to take true […]
Oregon Department of Agriculture names insider to top role
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has named a new deputy director from within its own ranks. The appointment of Lauren Henderson was effective on Sept. 29. He has worked for the agency for 22 years. “I can’t think of a better person for the position,” Alexis Taylor, the department’s director, said in a statement. “He […]
Oregon Health Authority advises employers to be flexible in enforcing Oct. 18 vaccine mandate
The Oregon Health Authority has advised the state and employers of health care staff, educators and others facing the Oct. 18 vaccine mandate not to fire employees over the deadline. “Everybody doesn’t need to turn into a pumpkin on the 18th,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority. “But they can’t be in […]
Oregon farms get $280,000 in federal grants to switch to solar energy
When Josh Cohen bought his farm in the Rogue Valley 16 years ago, he expected to power his irrigation system, greenhouse and coolers with solar energy. But the equipment was costly, and he hesitated to strap himself with a big loan. Now he’ll achieve his goal with a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
Dr. Dean Sidelinger: Big-picture team player in Oregon public health
At 50, there’s a lot that Dr. Dean Sidelinger could brag about. He earned a doctor of medicine degree from a highly ranked university and added a master’s in education. As a pediatrician, he trained younger physicians and helped shape medical curricula. Then he went into public health. For nearly 15 years as a health […]
Oregon safety officials field avalanche of mask-related complaints
In one month, Oregonians filed nearly 3,000 complaints against employers alleging violations of Gov. Kate Brown’s latest indoor mask mandate, but less than 1% has faced inspection. Oregon Occupational Safety & Health, which investigates workplace violations, is scrambling to keep up with an avalanche of complaints related to COVID-19. The new mandate went into effect […]
Government food benefits go up but net increase not so much
Low-income families in Oregon will be able to afford slightly more groceries this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture boosted its food assistance on Oct. 1 after determining that monthly payments fell woefully short, putting a healthy diet out of reach for recipients. In Oregon, a household of four receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition […]