Morning Roundup

Equal pay bill passes House, moves to Senate

House Bill 2005 would ensure female workers are paid the same as their male counterparts. The bill expands on federal protections, the Statesman Journal reports. It would prevent employers from screening applicants based on salary history, increase penalties for wage discrimination and add options for workers who face pay disparities.

Tobias Read walks back position on Elliott Forest sale

Read had remained supportive of selling 82,500-acres of the forest to a private entity despite Gov. Kate Brown's request to keep the land in public hands. But the State Treasurer announced yesterday he sees a "path forward" to keep Elliott State Forest under public control, OPB reports. 

Oregon Promise funding bumped 

The program provides free community college to Oregon students. But when more students than expected signed up this year, spring term funding was unknown. At a time when education financing is tight, the senate passed a bill to increase the allotted funding by $3.6 million, the Bend Bulletin reports. The additional money will ensure students receive the same level of financing as the fall term. Funding for next year, however, is not yet secured. 

Multnomah County housing project went public too early

The county proposed a new project known as "A Place For You" earlier this month. The project would build accessory dwelling units in homeowners' backyards to house homeless families. After five years, the homeowners would get to keep the ADUs. Just two weeks after announcing the project, more than 900 homeowners have signed up. But the pilot project can only accept four applicants, the Portland Tribune reports. And there's a chance the County may not expand the program past the initial pilot stage.

Dutch Bros HQ returning home

The popular drive-thru coffee chain is moving its headquarters back to Grants Pass, the Oregonian reports. Grants Pass is where the first Dutch Bros cart was located 25 years ago. Dutch owners have purchased the downtown Washington Federal branch. The branch will relocate this summer.

Michael Jordan, yes that Jordan, opens steakhouse in ilani Casino

No. 23 will open Michael Jordan's Steak House this April in the new Washington casino (about 20 miles from the Oregon border), the Oregonian reports. The restaurant will feature 300 seats and steaks handpicked by Jordan himself.

OB Nonprofits survey to get "equity" makeover

Managers at the Nonprofit Association of Oregon have embarked on a year-long effort to train staff on a new workplace ethic that is transforming how nonprofits operate.