Articles by Brad Cain

Oregon Bans Cell Phones in the Car

As of Jan. 1, you can get slapped with a $90 fine if you use a hand-held cell phone while driving in Oregon. Will that be enough to encourage motorists to keep their full attention on the road? And how …

Ore. Lawmakers Back Disaster Aid Bills

Spurred by December storms that caused millions of dollars in flood and wind damage, Oregon lawmakers are expediting a package of disaster aid bills in this special session, including one to get jobless benefits more quickly to storm victims. Other …

With Auto Surcharge Failing, Ore. Lawmakers Look to Lottery

With Ore. Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s proposed surcharge on auto insurance to pay for more state troopers not gaining any traction, some lawmakers are pushing for a proposal to set aside $65 million in lottery proceeds to increase patrols. The idea …

Kulongoski Floats Insurance Fee to Fund Oregon State Police

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has floated the idea of a state fee on car insurance policies to help put more Oregon State Police troopers on the state’s roads and highways. The Democratic governor also said he is halting a state …

Oregon Legislature Next Arena in Malpractice Battle

After narrowly losing in the Nov. 2 election, Oregon doctors who pushed for a cap on jury awards in malpractice lawsuits are preparing to take their fight to another arena: the 2005 Legislature. The physicians won’t seek another limit like …