The Oregon Department of Transportation has begun issuing layoff notices to nearly 500 employees after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill before the 2025 legislative session adjourned, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Monday. According to Kotek’s office, 483 employees—ranging from road maintenance crews to technical support and operations staff—will remain on the payroll through July 31. A second round of layoffs, potentially affecting another 100 to 200 workers, is tentatively planned for early...