Dirk Vander Hart

2 weeks ago | opb.org | Dirk Vander Hart |Julie Sabatier

OPB Politics NowOPB StaThe Oregon Legislature is racing toward a conclusion in the coming weeks. On this week’s episode of “OPB Politics Now,” we’re going to bring you a special episode from our OPB colleagues and friends at “The Evergreen” podcast. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what our lives are like down at the state Capitol in Salem. Usually, OPB politics reporter Dirk Vanderhart is bringing you the news on this podcast. This week, you’re going to get a glimpse into how he finds it.

3 weeks ago | opb.org | Dirk Vander Hart |Alex Zielinski

Oregon’s most important revenue forecast, the one that lawmakers used to write the two-year budget, was released this week. It showed that the state is expecting more money to roll in, but significantly less than the amount predicted just three months ago. On the latest episode of “OPB Politics Now,” reporters Dirk VanderHart and Alex Zielinski discuss the revenue outlook, what it says about the state political situation and much more. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

3 weeks ago | opb.org | Julie Sabatier |Dirk Vander Hart

House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, and other GOP lawmakers address reporters in front of Oregon Department of Transportation headquarters. Right now, there’s a lot happening in the State Capitol that will affect all Oregonians in some way. And because it’s an odd-numbered year, which means the Oregon Legislature has a session that stretches from January to June, we’re nearing the busiest time of the legislative session.

1 month ago | opb.org | Dirk Vander Hart |Alex Zielinski

Portland lost one of its most active and knowledgeable advocates for police accountability earlier this month. Dan Handelman spent decades of his life keeping track of the actions of the Portland police bureau, and pushing for reform. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss Handelman’s life, death and what happens when an institutional watchdog is no longer there. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

2 months ago | opb.org | Elizabeth Castillo |Dirk Vander Hart

The Oregon Capitol in 2021. Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPBOregon lawmakers are crafting a budget for the next two years. They’re facing a lot of uncertainty since nearly a third of the state’s funding comes from federal dollars and budget committee members have offered several scenarios. Meanwhile, hundreds of bills failed to meet a legislative deadline last week. But one proposal that narrowly passed the Senate would give workers who go on strike access to unemployment benefits.