Dirk VanderHart
Dirk VanderHart covers Oregon politics and government for OPB. Before barging onto the radio in 2018, he spent more than a decade as a newspaper reporter—much of that time reporting on city government for the Portland Mercury. He’s also had stints covering chicanery in Southwest Missouri, the wilds of Ohio in Ohio, and all things Texas on Capitol Hill.
Dirk’s byline has appeared in USA Today, The New York Times, The Houston Chronicle, The Columbus Dispatch, The Oregonian, and more. He’s got a journalism degree from Michigan State University.
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They’re hoping state lawmakers will be moved to act by a Friday deadline, but opponents say existing law is adequate. -
A handful of budget bills would steer more than $420 million out the door for social services, wildfire and more. -
A bill that would end the practice of allowing 17-year-olds to marry is moving forward in Salem. -
Republican lawmakers are still skeptical of the Motor Voter Program, which automatically registers people to vote when they get a new driver’s license. -
Kotek ordered a pause to the state’s automatic voter registration program in October after concerning errors were brought to light. -
The state’s latest economic and revenue forecast includes some heartening news but plenty of caution. -
Senate Bill 551, the so-called “beyond the bag ban” bill, would build on regulations lawmakers approved in 2019. -
Senate Bill 473 would make it a crime to make public officials fear imminent violence. -
The state revealed last year it had registered more than 1,600 potential noncitizens to vote. -
As lawmakers search for billions of dollars to maintain deteriorating roads, it’s one of many options under consideration.
