The Takeaway is a weekly session publication making sense of Oregon politics and policy. Every Friday while the legislature is in session, we publish a review of the week’s prominent topics and controversies. Our readers span from politicians and corporate executives to journalists and every day political junkies.
May
31
Speed Over Substance: When the Capitol Runs Out of Road
With sine die declared imminent, the Capitol enters its most volatile and least transparent phase.
3 min read
May
16
Deadlines, Detours, and Directionless Drift
With six weeks remaining in the 2025 session, lawmakers are starting to race against the clock, but the final destination is anyone’s guess.
3 min read
May
09
The Wait is Almost Over
The final chapter of the legislative session begins next week.
3 min read
Apr
18
Oregon’s Self-Inflicted Uncertainty
As global trade tensions rise and markets reel, Oregon lawmakers are doing little to ease the strain — and much to fuel the fire.
3 min read
Mar
28
Spring Break? Not at the Capitol
Sun, rest, and... 84 work sessions in a single committee? While most of Oregon unplugged, the legislature barrels through its first major deadline.
4 min read
Mar
21
At Legislature’s First Deadline, Still No Dominant Theme
Oregon lawmakers are working through their first major deadline. Yet the session remains defined more by motion than direction.
4 min read
Feb
21
A Quiet Shift in Oregon’s Tax Politics
If Oregon’s rules around raising revenue gradually weaken, the political barriers to increasing taxes will also erode.
5 min read
Jan
31
Waiting for a Defining Issue in 2025
Unlike previous years, no single issue has emerged as the defining force for Oregon’s session, leaving lawmakers navigating a session without a clear destination.
2 min read
Jan
24
A Fast Start to a Packed Session
With a packed agenda and looming challenges, lawmakers jump straight into a high-stakes legislative session.
3 min read
Mar
08
Closing the Book on Oregon’s Short, Chaotic Session
Defying the conventional wisdom, politicians set aside the campaign season and, instead, decided to govern.
