Food For All Advocates
Hundreds of people from across Oregon gathered in Salem for an Advocacy Day last week, urging lawmakers to pass what’s known as the “Food for All Oregonians” bill. Supported by a coalition of more than 180 organizations, it would ensure older adults and children could get food assistance regardless of their immigration status. Research shows hunger rates are rising across the state, leaving one in six children facing food insecurity. Oregon Food Bank’s Cristina Marquez says access to food benefits supported her family growing up and made it easier for her to go to college.
“We know that programs like SNAP are the most effective anti-hunger tools we have, being able to lift folks out of poverty each year and keeping families stable.”
Food for All Oregonians would create a new, state-run program similar to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Youth and older adults who would otherwise qualify for SNAP except for their immigration status, would be eligible. Opponents of the bill are concerned about its cost. It is scheduled for a public hearing tomorrow in Salem.
Filing Complete for May 20 Election
Some local races will be wide open in the May 20th election. The filing deadline for candidates passed last Thursday, and as of Friday, three board positions had no candidates — including two seats on the Western Lane Fire Board and one on the Mapleton Fire Board. Several other races will be uncontested, with only one candidate running. But some races are competitive, including the Siuslaw School Board and Library Board, and the West Lane seat on the Lane Community College Board. Voter registration ends April 29th. Ballots go out April 30th.
Reedsport Man Tries to Escape After Hearing
A courtroom escape in Douglas County led to a brief but intense manhunt Friday afternoon. Authorities say 24-year-old Alexander Matthew Pearson of Reedsport fled a courtroom following a probation hearing. A deputy briefly grabbed him, but Pearson broke free and ran from the courthouse. Deputies, Roseburg Police, and parole officers searched near a nearby homeless encampment known as “The Point.” About 20 minutes later, Pearson was found hiding under a blanket in a tent and was taken back into custody. He now faces additional charges, including Escape and Resisting Arrest.
