March 2023 - Page 2

 The Oregon Senate on Wednesday passed a $210 million bill to increase the state’s semiconductor industry. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By BEN BOTKIN/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — The state Senate on Wednesday passed the Oregon CHIPS Act, a move intended to bolster the state’s ability to compete for semiconductor projects and federal money to expand the sector in the state.

By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Oregon’s hospital industry and key employee unions say they have reached an agreement over legislation on health care staffing. The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents about 15,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners, has been pushing House Bill 2697 which would impose nurse-to-patient ratios, something the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems has opposed. But

By the Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon is sending $170 million in extra food aid to children in low-income families statewide. The Department of Human Services will start issuing payments of $391 from late March to the end of May. A news release said 434,000 children will receive payments. The money comes from a federal program to help children whose access

 Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would put a permit system in place to purchase firearms. (Connor Radnovich/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By BEN BOTKIN/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — The gun debate played out on Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Oregonians at odds over whether the state should have a permit system to purchase firearms. If the debate sounds

By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle The federal government is sending nearly $50 million to Oregon nonprofits, counties and other entities to address homelessness. The money – from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – adds to a $200 million investment approved by the Oregon Legislature this month to help hundreds of Oregonians find housing. At least 18,000 Oregonians