🌱 Senate Back In Session + Salem's Possible Payroll Tax + Events

Hello all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick dive into the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Low clouds. High: 79 Low: 57.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy and not as warm. High: 71 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Salem:

1. After the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history, Republican senators returned to Salem on Thursday, Jun. 15. It was the first time in six weeks that the Oregon Senate reached a quorum. As of Jun. 15, the details of the agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the walkout have not been made public. (KGW)
2. As part of the Salem Budget Committee and Salem City Council's Safe Salem 2023 plan, the city is considering asking all employees who work in Salem to pay a "payroll tax." The tax would go to paying for police, fire, and other emergency services. According to the city, to provide the currently services to its residents it needs an additional $19.4 million annually. In the proposal, everyone who works within Salem, even those who are self-employed, would pay 0.814 percent of their wages for the payroll tax. (KOIN)
3. Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Salem area? Check out the Salem Pride March and Downtown Pride on Jun. 17, Onion Fest on Jun. 17, Strawberry Festival on Jun. 18, Superhero Run on Jun. 17, and more! (Statesman Journal)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Friday, June 16

• Electric Baguette Improv Comedy At Infinity Room (6:30 PM)
• Comedian Andy Iwancio At Infinity Room (9:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Pura Vida Orquesta At Xicha Brewing North (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Jun. 14, the Salem Fire Department contained a slow-moving grass fire in West Salem. About one acre of land burned before the crews successfully put out the fire. (Salem Fire Department via Facebook)
• On Monday, Jun. 19, the Salem Art Association is hosting the grand opening of the new America Waldo Bogle Gallery in the Bush House Museum in Salem! The Juneteenth event is free and open to the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but space is limited and RSVPs are required. (Here is Oregon)
• With the 2023 fireworks season approaching, the Salem Fire Department reminds residents of the importance of fireworks safety! Remember to purchase legal and approved fireworks, find an open space with no buildings or trees, and keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. View the link to see the full list of safety tips. (Salem Fire Department via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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!