Gov. Brown talks issues, budget and refugee ban

With the legislative session underway in Salem, Gov. Kate Brown is working to push her agenda through both chambers.

The governor is also pushing back against President Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugee travel ban from seven countries, as the state has joined Washington in the lawsuit challenging the order.

Brown told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday the state is upholding state law in protecting immigrants.

“I strengthened that law in the executive order that I signed last week, because I want Oregon to remain warm and inclusive and a welcoming state for our immigrants and our refugees,” Brown said.

The governor’s office has put out a state budget proposal asking for $10 million in cuts to veterans services. The news comes after voters passed Measure 96 last fall, which secures funding for veterans when it comes to education and housing.

According to a survey conducted by Clout Research, 73 percent of Oregon voters oppose the governor’s budget cuts to the veterans programs.

Brown said the state has increased funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs by 100 percent.

The governor is also focusing her attention to Eastern Oregon, as parts of the region was hit with severe weather impacting onion farmers in Ontario after numerous storage buildings collapsed under the weight of heavy snow.

The state is looking at resources they can provide to onion farmers to help them with the agricultural season.

The governor’s office also is looking at cutting through red tape so the community of Ontario can start recovering.

Brown said she’s working for all Oregonians and connecting with people across the state.

Last week, the governor held a meeting in Klamath Falls with local leaders, talking about entrepreneurship and innovation for small business.