The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Oregon Legislature" ...
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Oregon Radio System Failures
In 2005, Oregon launched a $414 million project to build an emergency radio network that would allow public safety officers to communicate to each other in a crisis. This investigation shows that project officials had misled lawmakers and the public about the tremendous cost to the state and falsified progress reports given to the legislature and governor.
Tags: radio; budgets; cost; public safety; whistleblower
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Falling Apart/Licensed, Bonded, Unaccountable
The Oregonian revealed that new residential structures across the Northwest are suffering sometimes catastrophic damage from moisture not just due to poor workmanship, but also to shoddy construction, trouble-prone building materials, inappropriate design and unanticipated complications caused by energy efficient building codes. The stories detail the financial and emotional impact on homeowners, how their dispute with builders has clogged the legal system and how builders have turned to the Legislature for protection from a rash of litigation. In addition, the investigation reveals that the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, the state agency charged with protecting consumers from bad contractors, has allowed builders with histories of incompetence, insolvency and unethical behavior to continue building, without notifying consumers of the dangers.
Tags: CAR; Oregon Construction Contractors Board; Northwest; Portland; construction defect litigation; builders; Oregon Legislature; Construction Claims Task Force; regulation
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Termed Out
A Salem Statesman-Journal investigation of Oregon's legislative term limits reveals that while the state has rid itself of career politicians, it's legislature now has problems with weak leadership and rapidly growing bureaucracies. The investigation also found that the Oregon House of Representatives has become a "weak, junior partner to the Senate"; the Oregon Legislature has ceded power to the governor, lobbyists, political operatives and bureaucrats; and campaign contributions have become even more important, rendering rookies less independent than the "good old boy" veterans.
Tags: Oregon; state legislature; state government; House of Representatives; Senate; politics; term limits; campaign finance