Make the McKenzie Connection!
Make the McKenzie Connection!
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House Bill 4130 would allocate $5 million for wildlife crossings in problem spots across the state. In Oregon, there are about 7,000 collisions with deer each year, costing Oregonians $44 million in total. State Rep. Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, a chief sponsor of the bill, said there's broad support for wildlife crossings, including some Republican co-sponsors. "These types of projects are not partisan," he said. "We've got Republicans and Democrats, senators and House reps on the bill already. It'll...
Oregonians can get free help with their income taxes once again this year. However, as in recent years, the pandemic is changing what the assistance looks like. Typically, the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program happens in-person, focusing specifically on people over age 50 or those who have low to moderate incomes. Kathy Goeddel, assistant state coordinator for the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program in the Portland Metro area, said the recent surge in COVID-19 cases means protocols are in place...
Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to stop their alarming slide. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expecting ocean waters to remain cold and more food abundant for the fish along the West Coast. However Miles Johnson, senior attorney with Columbia Riverkeeper, noted this doesn't necessarily mean better conditions for a crucial part of their lives - in the rivers...
Healthcare workers at an Oregon hospital have achieved what they say is a "win" after several strikes in recent months. Nearly 300 workers and members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield are celebrating increases in their pay, their health subsidies and education fund. Aaron Green, a certified nursing assistant at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center and a member of SEIU Local 49, was among those who went on strike in Octobe...
Supporters of the Build Back Better Act are touting the benefits it will bring to families in Oregon and across the country. A number of provisions in the legislation would directly help families, such as extending the Child Tax Credit. The credit went into effect during the last round of pandemic aid from Congress, providing cash directly to families monthly. Loren Naldoza, legislative and communications manager for Neighborhood Partnerships, a housing and economic policy organization in...
Oregon is following the FDA and CDC, which recommend booster shots for people 65 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. Boosters are also encouraged for younger people at risk of severe infection because of other medical conditions, and for front-line workers. Dr. Kristen Dillon, senior advisor of the COVID Response and Recovery Unit for the State of Oregon, said the vaccines provide good protection, but decline over time and in a more pronounced way for older...
Hundreds of Oregon businesses have signaled their support for legislation protecting rivers across the state. In an open letter, more than 200 businesses have thanked Sen. Ron Wyden - D-Ore. - and Sen. Jeff Merkley - D-Ore. - for introducing the River Democracy Act. The measure would protect about 4,700 miles of rivers in Oregon as wild and scenic. The rivers were selected through a public nomination process. Chris Daughters, who signed the letter, owns the Caddis Fly Angling Shop in Eugene....
discuss the Oregon Legislature’s proposed voting maps closed this week. After receiving detailed census data in August, lawmakers released their recommended redistricting maps on September 3rd. They began holding virtual public meetings in the state’s five current Congressional districts last Wednesday, with two scheduled for each district through Monday., followed by a statewide meeting that day. Precious Edmonds, advocacy director for We Draw Oregon, pointed out people of color have seen the...
Wildfire season has obvious effects on air quality outside, but hidden impacts on air quality also are lurking inside some homes. Environmental and health groups - as well as the Oregon Health Authority - are warning about burning natural gas inside, such as from gas stoves. The Oregon Environmental Council's Environmental Health Program Director Jamie Pang-South said cooking with fossil-fuel-based gas appliances releases nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and small particulate matter....
A new report identifies some of the most ecologically important rivers in Oregon (including the South Fork McKenzie). Conservation Science Partners looked at 54,000 miles of unprotected rivers and streams in Oregon, highlighting watersheds with outstanding water quality, recreational value and that support rare or at-risk species. More than 5,700 river miles were in the range of at least 30 aquatic Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Caitlin Littlefield, lead scientist for Conservation Science Partners, said many rivers are under threat as...
May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and the western United States is preparing for an active year. Coming off a severe wildfire season where nine Oregonians were killed and 40,000 were displaced, preventing fires is on the minds of many in the state. Kristin Babbs, president and CEO of Keep Oregon Green, said prevention is key. “Over 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people, and that places the power of prevention squarely in our hands,” Babbs contended. “Public lands saw large crowds...
Groups are urging Northwest leaders to act on U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure and Snake River dam proposal. The plan would breach the four lower Snake River dams to help salmon, whose numbers have dwindled for years. It aims to restore what American Rivers calls in a report out this week, "the most endangered river in the country." Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said Northwest lawmakers are in leadership positions in Congress and the Biden administration...
Oregonians have opportunities this month to find out how to protect themselves from fraud. The Oregon Scam Jam is taking place virtually each Friday this month, starting April 9. Doug Shadel, the AARP Washington state director and a former assistant attorney general in that state, is hosting the first session. He said the most common scams right now involve the COVID-19 vaccine. "It ranges from, 'We can get you an appointment tomorrow, but you've got to give us your personal information,' and...
Idaho Gov. Brad Little's workgroup to consider what to do about dwindling salmon numbers has wrapped up, as conservation groups in neighboring states say it's time for a regional approach. Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, said the warming climate is making it difficult for salmon and steelhead to navigate the Columbia and Snake Rivers. He maintained the fish are in a dire situation, and this issue can't be solved by a single state. "Any solution that's going to...
The economic woes from the COVID-19 pandemic parallel the Great Depression in some ways, and new research suggests national service programs from the 1930s could be useful for the recovery and for young people who need work. A Brookings Institution report calls on the country to expand programs like AmeriCorps, YouthBuild and conservation corps over the next few years. Jeff Parker, executive director for the Eugene-based conservation nonprofit Northwest Youth Corps, backs the idea. "Our goal is...
