AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute,276
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon lawmakers today kick off a month-long
legislative session that will be dominated by efforts to get the
state budget back in balance. Lawmakers also will debate Gov. John
Kitzhaber’s education and health care proposals and a variety of
other issues. This will be the first legislative session in an
election year since voters decided last year to send lawmakers to
Salem annually. Previously, the Legislature met every-other year.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Democrat Suzanne Bonamici will be the
newest member of Congress after a decisive victory in a special
election to replace David Wu, who resigned in a sex scandal.
Bonamici, a former state senator, defeated Rob Cornilles, owner of
a sports marketing business. Bonamici says she expects to speak
with congressional leaders today and find out when she’s expected
in Washington.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Preliminary assessments indicate the wind,
rain and snow that hit Oregon in mid-January caused $38 million in
damage to nine counties. The Oregonian reports that figure is
expected to grow. Flooding was blamed for two deaths. The $38
million figure doesn’t account for personal items damaged by the
storm. The number covers losses to housing, businesses,
agriculture, infrastructure and the cost of such things as
sandbags, debris removal and damage to parks.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Gov. John Kitzhaber has nominated the
director of Oregon’s juvenile penitentiary system to run the state
Department of Corrections. Kitzhaber says Colette Peters has
increased efficiency and effectiveness during her time at the
Oregon Youth Authority. Peters would be the first woman to run the
prison system. She’ll be the department’s interim director until
confirmed by the state Senate.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-02-01-12 0930EST
