Date: 09/15/2014 09:29 AM
AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute/232
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A new report showing that rising income inequality could negatively affect state tax revenue comes amid a push by Gov. John Kitzhaber, legislative Democrats and others to overhaul Oregon’s tax code. A report from the credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s suggests that income tax-reliant states like Oregon face a future of declining growth in state revenue.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon has budgeted $2 million for its legal fight with software giant Oracle over the state’s failed health care exchange website. The state says Oracle officials lied, breached contracts and engaged in “a pattern of racketeering activity.” The company has also sued the state in federal court alleging breach of contract.
ESTACADA, Ore. (AP) – A wildfire burning in Mount Hood National Forest prompted the closure of a campground, a recreational vehicle park and a highway near Estacada. The fire is in timber and grass about 10 miles southeast of Estacada along Highway 224. Authorities said the Lazy Bend Campground and Work Center were evacuated and closed until further notice.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Department of Transportation will spend $4 million to study improvements to the Interstate 5 viaduct through Medford that’s considered vulnerable to a major earthquake. The Medford Mail-Tribune reports the study will look at ways to strengthen the 3,200-foot structure and ways to reroute traffic if it fails.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
