KGW’s Straight Talk

Chris Dudley outlines his plan for Oregon as he mounts another run for governor, and author Jim Moore examines Vic Atiyeh’s legacy ahead of November.

On Straight Talk, leaders warn Portland faces a possible economic doom loop. Rep. Ed Diehl details his run for governor and tax priorities.

The bipartisan Oregon House Bill 4134, introduced in the 2026 short session, would raise the state's Transient Lodging Tax by 1.25%, raising tens of millions of dollars in new funding that would go to the Oregon Conservation Strategy fund, which would have its name changed to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund.

Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner was a guest on this week's episode of Straight Talk to discuss how Oregonians can check for any unclaimed money that they might be owed by the state, as well as her tenure as treasurer. Steiner served in the state Senate for 13 years prior to becoming the first woman and first physician to hold the office of treasurer. Feb. 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day, and last year the Oregon treasury returned almost $60 million in unclaimed property to Oregonians. According to Steiner, it happens because businesses, banks, and insurance companies are obligated to try to return property or money to its rightful owner, but if they're unable to make contact within 3 years, they have to turn it over to the state treasury for it to be held in trust for the person or their heirs.

Oregon lawmakers preview a high-stakes 35-day session, debating budget cuts, ODOT funding, affordability and what’s possible before the clock runs out.