Congressional Republicans are considering a number of proposals that would cut benefit programs that many Oregonians rely on, including SNAP and Medicaid. Oregon advocates fighting hunger say cuts would unfairly shift the cost burden to states, and are urging people to take action. Comments by Alejandro Queral (care-ALL), executive director, Oregon Center for Public Policy.

Los republicanos del Congreso están considerando varias propuestas que recortarían los programas de prestaciones de los que dependen muchos habitantes de Oregon, incluyendo SNAP y Medicaid. Los defensores que luchan contra el hambre en Oregon afirman que los recortes trasladarían injustamente la carga económica a los estados y llaman a la ciudadanía a actuar. Comentarios de Alejandro Queral (care-ALL), director ejecutivo del Oregon Center for Public Policy.

Since its launch in 2017, Oregonians have saved nearly $350 million for retirement through OregonSaves, an automatic IRA savings account. Advocates of the program say saving for retirement is essential for people and the state. Comments by Bandana Shrestha (BAHN-duh-nuh SHRESH-tuh), state director, AARP Oregon; and Ryan Mann, executive director, Oregon Treasury Savings Network.

Labor and immigrant's rights organizers are calling on Oregonians to support immigrant communities with a rally this May Day (Thursday) in Salem. Data shows immigrants are essential to Oregon's economy, especially in agriculture and manufacturing. Comments by Reyna (RAY-nah) Lopez, executive director, PCUN (Pay-COON), Oregon's farm worker union. (ed note: "Mayday" is an international radio distress call used by pilots and mariners.)

The Bonneville Power Administration is considering joining an energy market that covers a larger geographical area to make energy delivery more reliable in the face of more extreme climate events. The administration has shown a preference to a Markets+, but advocates for clean energy and salmon are urging it to go with the Day-Ahead Energy Market (EDAM, pronounced E-dam). Comments from Tanya Riordan (REER-den), policy and advocacy director, Save Our Wild Salmon; and Ben Otto, energy consultant, Northwest Energy Coalition.

Activistas por los derechos laborales y de los migrantes llaman a los habitantes de Oregon a apoyar a las comunidades migrantes con una manifestación este Primero de Mayo (jueves) en Salem. Los datos demuestran que los migrantes son esenciales para la economía de Oregon, especialmente en la agricultura y la manufactura. Comentarios de Reyna López, directora ejecutiva de PCUN, el sindicato de trabajadores agrícolas de Oregon. (Nota del editor: "Mayday" es una señal de socorro de la radio internacional utilizada por pilotos y marineros).

Oregon has hit a recycling milestone by saving 10 million gallons of paint from the landfill. Expert shares why and how to recycle paint. Comments from Lauren Scher (Share), Oregon and Washington Program Manager, PaintCare.

Spring is here in Oregon, and a changing climate means more sneezing and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers. Experts offer tips on how to cope with allergies and support children. Comments from Dr. Shyam Joshi (sh-YAHM JOH-shee), professor, medicine and pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology, OHSU; Dr. Gregory Carnevale (KAR-nuh-VAHL-ee), chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare.

Five years after the killing of George Floyd and the mass protests in support of police reforms that followed, Oregon’s progress on quelling police violence is mixed. Comments by Sandy Chun, executive director, ACLU of Oregon.

A popular state-funded matching program seeks more funding to help lower-income Oregonians get onto sound financial footing. Individual Development Accounts have helped 19,000 people save for things like school or buying a home while providing financial literacy classes. Comments by Abi Brambila (brahm-BEE-la), IDA program participant and real estate agent; and Cameron Herrington, director of policy and advocacy, Neighborhood Partnerships.

Defensores que luchan contra el hambre en el estado piden a sus partidarios que apoyen el proyecto de ley Food for All Oregonians, que ampliaría las prestaciones alimentarias para los niños pequeños de Oregón, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Comentarios de Ali King, directora de política y defensa de Our Children Oregon.

Advocates fighting hunger in the state are calling on supporters to rally behind the Food for All Oregonians bill, which would extend food benefits to Oregon’s young children, regardless of their immigration status. Comments by Ali King, policy and advocacy director, Our Children Oregon.

Defensores que luchan contra el hambre en el estado piden a sus partidarios que apoyen el proyecto de ley Food for All Oregonians, que ampliaría las prestaciones alimentarias para los niños pequeños de Oregón, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Comentarios de Ali King, directora de política y defensa de Our Children Oregon.

Oregon has earned a number 9 ranking on this year’s Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The scorecard highlights the state’s building codes and efforts to promote equity in energy saving. Comments by Jennifer Kalez (KAY-lez), communications director, Oregon Department of Energy; Julianne Thacher, communications and marketing lead, Energy Trust of Oregon.

The largest county in Oregon is facing drastic cuts to two public health programs that the Oregon Nurses Association says would harm everyone, especially Multnomah County's most vulnerable. Comments by Leigh (LEE) Richards, community health nurse, Multnomah County Nurse Family Partnership; Kevin Mealy, communications manager, Oregon Nurses Association.

Advocates fighting hunger in Oregon say U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts to local food programs will worsen hunger and harm local farmers amid rising food costs. Comments by Sarah Weber Ogden, executive director, Partners for Hunger-Free Oregon; and Patrick Roelle (RAW-lee), fisher and Local Food for Schools program participant.

Defensores de la lucha contra el hambre en Oregón afirman que los recortes del USDA a los programas locales de alimentos agravarán el hambre y perjudicarán a los agricultores locales ante el aumento del precio de los alimentos. Comentarios de Sarah Weber Ogden, directora ejecutiva de Partners for Hunger-Free Oregon; Patrick Roelle (RAW-lee), pescador y participante del programa Local Food for Schools.

In response to Oregon’s growing healthcare worker shortage, SEIU local 49 members are pressing lawmakers in Salem to support two bills they say would improve retention. Comments from Matt Swanson, political strategist, SEIU Oregon; Felipa (feh-LEE-pah) Nesta, licensed practical nurse, Kaiser Permanente; Rachel Dennis, certified nursing assistant, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center.

People across Oregon are celebrating transgender people’s contributions to society today (Monday, March 31) for International Trans Day of Visibility. Trans rights advocates are urging the state's leaders and allies to support and protect queer and trans communities – realizing how difficult that may be in today's political climate. Comments by Jade Lenore Le Duff, chief of staff, Lavender Rights Project.

Consumer-rights advocates are rallying behind a new bill they say closes a critical gap in consumer protection, ensuring that insurance companies are held to the same standards as other businesses in Oregon. Comments by Tyler Staggs, attorney and owner, Spooner Staggs Trial Lawyers; and Mike Leib (Leeb), vice president, Precision Body and Paint.