West Side Newspaper Staff

Rep. Paul Evans highlights House Bill 4132, the 2026 Veterans’ Services Initiative, creating a new veteran suicide prevention program. His update also notes advancements in aerospace and agriculture tech, wildfire preparedness, and upcoming town halls on housing and growth.

Facing closure due to rising costs, the Polk County Fairgrounds relies on a 5-year local option levy on the November ballot. At $0.12 per $1,000 of assessed value, the funds will repair vital infrastructure for an asset that hosts 700 events annually and serves as a crucial emergency shelter.

In a recent update, Senator Deb Patterson detailed legislative efforts to combat Oregon’s “K-shaped economy,” where inflation outpaces working-class incomes. Through bills like SB 1507, Patterson aims to lower the cost of living by defending core funding for healthcare, education, and tax credits.