Senate expands list of who should report child abuse, human trafficking April 05 2021 By all of us taking a little responsibility for the most vulnerable in our communities, we can make a difference.
The Oregon Senate on Monday, April 5, expanded the list of those who should report possible child abuse to include hoteliers, and those who should report suspected human trafficking to include employees of restaurants and bars. Sexual exploitation crimes often go unreported and victims don t have the resources they need to find help, said Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale. The more reporting the community does, the better.
Both bills on the matter were introduced by members of the Republican Senate caucus and passed with bipartisan support. They now go to the House for consideration.
March 30 2021
Sales top $1 billion, but the state s marijuana economy faces federal tax code woes, crime, wildfires and lawmakers eager for revenue
They ve never been higher.
Oregon recreational marijuana sales have climbed to record highs, but some say the industry s woes also have reached an apex. The difficulties range from an unfavorable federal tax code to a dangerous crime wave, wildfires, and cities and counties hungry for a larger slice of the tax pie. Businesses are still struggling, says Kim Lundin, executive director of the Oregon Cannabis Association. High sales don t transfer to overall industry success.
But the marijuana milestone $1.1 billion in sales in 2020, blowing past the $795 million benchmark set in 2019 has started a battle for cash at the state Capitol regardless.
Power trio appears at subcommittee meeting
The three most powerful politicians in Salem appeared together virtually on Monday for a Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education hearing.
Gov. Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, and Kotek spoke in support of their joint proposal for a $250 million summer learning and childcare package.
Supporters say the program will help thousands of Oregon children catch up on learning and socializing after a year of mostly virtual schooling. The legislation will set our kids up for success by letting them be kids again, in environments that foster creativity, learning, and joy, Brown said.
So why did Brown s latest Friday surprise fail to make the grade?
Because it created more stress for school officials and more confusion among parents and students who were suddenly confronted with mixed messages.
Our newsrooms are in touch with many school superintendents and principals who say they re as eager as the governor to welcome kids back into their buildings. They know, better than she, the limitations of distance learning and the hit to kids social and emotional health.
But unlike the governor, they also have to make the buses run on time. Literally.
It s tougher to open a school than to order it opened even in the best of circumstances. In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, it s exponentially harder.
Pamplin Media Group March 11 2021
Readers express opinions on COVID-19 vaccines, GOP walkouts, the old Republican Party and possible land-use changes.
I m writing to express my complete agreement with Richard Botteri s Feb. 24 letter to the editor, concerning who should be eligible to receive vaccine.
I am also a senior, over age 70, and I also feel that we elders should have lower priority than younger people with underlying health conditions and front-line workers.
We have had, as Mr. Botteri points out, the opportunity to live our lives have careers, children/grandchildren, the chance to make a contribution to society and to enjoy life. If there is not sufficient vaccine to give to everyone right now, those young people, who still have a life ahead of them, should be first in line.