Salem residents may soon find relief as proposed legislation, House Bill 4072 could inject up to $6 million annually from Oregon tax revenue to offset the city’s budget gaps caused by substantial state-owned land. Representative Tom Andersen, D-Salem, sponsors the bill, aiming to make state agencies pay a fee for essential services provided by the city. This comes as a response to Salem’s financial challenges where property taxes, the primary funding source fall short due to exemptions for schools, churches, nonprofits and government facilities, notably state-owned. The proposed bill could mark a significant shift in funding dynamics for Salem.