1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

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Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate is scheduled to vote on two key pieces of the state budget that have been delayed while Republicans and Democrats try to reach a compromise. Today’s votes will be the clearest indicator yet of whether lawmakers will reach a compromise on tax increases, public-employee pension cuts and tax breaks for small-business owners. The legislation to be voted on includes a measure that would provide $6.6 billion for primary and secondary schools in the next two years.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Rescuers will resume a search for a missing climber on Mount Hood. A Portland Mountain Rescue spokesman says rain, snow and poor visibility stopped volunteers yesterday from reaching the part of the mountain where they believe Kinley Adams is. The 59-year-old Salem dentist failed to return from a climb on Saturday.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon House has approved a bill that would use driving records to automatically register people to vote. The 32-28 vote yesterday sends the measure to the Senate. People registered based on driving records would get a letter in the mail allowing them to join a political party or opt out of voter registration.

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Pacific Power officials are blaming an errant balloon for an outage that temporarily knocked out power to more than 4,300 customers in Medford, Ore. Utility spokesman Tom Gauntt tells the Medford Mail Tribune yesterday’s 11:30 a.m. outage switched off several traffic signals as well as affecting residences. The utility says power was restored around 2:30 p.m.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.