Oregon Public Broadcasting

Thousands of Oregonians protested Wednesday at 20 taxpayer ‘tea parties’ across the state. 

And Washington taxpayers turned out in Olympia.

Organizers say it’s an opportunity to air complaints about federal government spending and the national debt.

According to conservative groups, close to 800 protests are scheduled across the country.

In Portland, protesters plan to throw 150 pounds of tea into the Willamette River.

In Medford, people will march to the Jackson County Courthouse and the Post Office to protest as they file their taxes.

Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey was in Bend, at a tea party there.

He talks with OPB's Tim Manickam about the event.