In just a few days, Gov. Kate Brown will release her blueprint for state government spending over the next two years. And with Oregonians hit hard by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, their immediate needs are at the forefront.
But the governor and lawmakers also face spending decisions that could affect Oregonians for decades. One of the thornier decisions for Brown: whether to stop pumping taxpayer funds into two small rural prisons to save money.