AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute,292
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A Massachusetts man says he began selling
marijuana in Oregon to pay down more than $100,000 in student
loans. The Oregonian reports that Michael Vivenzio is now serving 2
years in prison after his and Jason J. Kalenkowitz’s sophisticated
pot-growing operation was busted by federal authorities in 2010.
The IRS reported this week that Vivenzio used the pot proceeds to
pay down $80,000 in student loans.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon economists release their latest
projections for state revenue on today. Five months into the
two-year budget, lawmakers expect the quarterly forecast to show
another hit to state revenue. The last forecast was released in
August and projected a $200 million blow. A modest reduction in
anticipated revenue would not require immediate cuts to schools,
health care or other state services. But it could prevent increases
in those budgets.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – A waiting list for subsidized housing in
Lane County has been opened for the first time in more than two
years, and the housing agency got about 2,500 applicants for
vouchers. The Eugene Register-Guard reports officials say 1,000 of
the applicants will get on a waiting list. It could be as long as
two years for those at the bottom to get housing. The vouchers pay
up to 70 percent of the cost of rent.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) – A conservation group is seeking
Endangered Species Act protection for a snail found only at a
spring feeding Upper Klamath Lake. The Herald and News reports that
if the tall pebblesnail is protected, it will add another layer of
complication to managing scarce water resources in the Klamath
Basin. The snail is one of 26 mollusks that the Center for
Biological Diversity wants to protect.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-11-17-11 0929EST
