🌱 House Passes Opioid Bill + Salem Unemployment Rates Increase

Good morning, Salem. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A shower in the afternoon. High: 46 Low: 39.
• Thursday: Cloudy, a shower in the p.m.. High: 50 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. On Monday, the Oregon House here in Salem voted to pass House Bill 2395, which would increase the availability of naloxone kits in public buildings, such as restaurants and schools. Additionally, the bill would give the Oregon Health Authority the ability to issue standing prescriptions for medications that can block the effects of opioids in the body. The bill went in front of the Oregon Senate on Tuesday for review. (KPTV)
2. The Oregon Employment Department released new data that showed rising rates of unemployment in Salem in the month of January. The rate rose to 4.6 percent in January compared to December 2022's 4.5 percent. Even with the slight increase, the department's regional economist Patrick O'Conner says that the unemployment rate in the area is still at a historic low. (The Salem Reporter)
3. Governor Tina Kotek announced on Tuesday that she is appointing Oregon Health Authority's chief financial officer Dave Baden as the organization's interim director. Baden will officially begin work in the role effective Mar. 17. Last Friday, Kotek officially opened the search for a permanent director for the organization. (KTVZ)

Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, March 8

• Preschool Storytime At Salem Public Library Story Room A (10:15 AM)
• South Central Association Of Neighbors Meeting At South Salem High School (6:30 PM)

Thursday, March 9

• The Kemtone Quartet At Christo's Pizzeria & Lounge (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Latino Business Alliance will be hosting its bilingual monthly gathering on Mar. 9 at 8 a.m. at the Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry. Join the alliance for networking and presentations from local leaders. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• Grab your tickets now for the 2023 Salem State of the City address by Mayor Chris Hoy. The address will be on Wednesday, Mar. 22 at the Salem Convention Center with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. and an optional $30 lunch at 11:30 a.m. before the address. (City of Salem via Facebook)
• This last weekend was the first Saturday Market of the Salem Saturday Market's 25th season. The market will run every Saturday from March through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 856 Marion St. NE. (Salem Saturday Market via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!