Oregon budget

Facing major uncertainty over federal policies, Oregon lawmakers set aside nearly $500 million when they passed a budget in June.

A variety of projects in western and central Oregon received earmarked funding in the bill, ranging from veteran housing to infrastructure.

The chairs of the Legislature's budget committee say they need to spend limited resources paying for the commitments Oregon has made in recent years — not creating new ones.

Oregon's legislature faces a tricky budget balancing act next year. For college aid, the governor recommends a focus on the student side of the equation.…