Stateline Headlines

Oregon is first in nation with official state microbe: brewer's yeast

Oregon Senate approves easing regulations on natural hair care

Oregon House approves bill to allow community colleges to compete with career colleges

Martin Plotner, head of Oregon Emergency Dept., placed on leave during investigation

Oregon counties to receive $2 million held under sequestration by Department of Interior

Oregon Legislature OKs instant racing machines at Portland Meadows

Unions may unify, create set of 60,000 members

Oregon House will vote on bill to divert $4.5 million from PDC to schools

Oregon House approves foreclosure mediation expansion; bill headed to Gov. John Kitzhaber

Gain Share debate quietly heats up: Some legislators want to reduce payments, send money to schools

Oregon Senate president borrows from Chip Kelly, uses signs to summon staff, retires the frantic gestures

Portland and its aversion to fluoride reflects Oregon's unusual politics

Ore. bill expands tasting spots for distilleries

In Oregon's timber counties, a split decision on public safety levies could lead to legislative action

For the fourth time since 1956, Portland voters reject fluoridation

Senate Judiciary Committee approves sweeping immigration bill

Background negotiations on gun legislation continue in Oregon Senate

Oregon House passes bill closing out-of-state bank tax 'loophole'

District attorneys favor drug sentencing decrease

US Senate confirms Oregon's newest federal judge

Bill aims to return Hatfield to D.C.

Ore. House backs Hatfield statue in US Capitol

Betsy Johnson makes first appearance in Oregon Senate since car accident

Marijuana legalization advocates pursue referral, ballot initiative to let voters decide

Oregon Health Plan tracking report released; feds to monitor measures

Ways and Means chairmen say Oregon budget will go forward

May forecast gives Oregon Legislature more than $270 million additional revenue

Oregon Legislature passes bill guarding workers' social media passwords

Revenue forecast shines, but no deal on PERS, taxes at Oregon Legislature

Renewable energy initiative approved for signature gathering

Oregon could send corporations a $20 million tax rebate

Ore. House speaker opens door to more pension cuts

Ore. lawmaker: Rule-breaking coaches should pay

John Kitzhaber's plan for tax, PERS bargain gets mixed reaction

Oregon House passes hospital tax, but it's still part of Senate PERS debate

Oregon's hospital tax: the legislative equivalent of fighting over debt limit?

John Kitzhaber: Oregon Legislature must make a grand bargain or cuts to schools(2)

John Kitzhaber: Oregon Legislature must make a grand bargain or cuts to schools

Cheers! All 50 States Embrace the Home Brew Boom

As of July 1, all 50 states will allow aspiring brewers to make their own beer at home. But states are still figuring out how to regulate the popular hobby.

House approves Oregon hospital, nursing home tax

Oregon Senate requires prevailing wages for construction projects on college campuses

Senate bars employers from requiring access to employee social media accounts

Oregon House passes hospital tax, but it's still part of Senate PERS debate

Waldo Lake motor ban goes to Oregon governor

Oregon Legislature nears vote on hospital tax

Oregon House gives final legislative approval of ban on motors, seaplanes on Waldo Lake

Legislature nears vote on extending tax on hospitals, nursing homes

Mileage fee now: Opposing view

Republicans draw Oregon hospital tax into debate over PERS

Financially troubled Oregon counties face critical turning point locally, in Legislature and in D.C.

Oregon schools' financial woes aren't all because of PERS

Oregon Legislature jobs agenda: brownfields, taxes and industrial development

Oregon legislative leaders retreat to negotiate deal on PERS and taxes

Lawmakers consider expanding state leave laws that business leaders say are already too generous, complex

Oregon lawmakers wade into vaccination debate

After Years of Defeats, Immigrants Win Big State Victories in 2013

Arizona’s immigration crackdown is a fresh memory for many, but now many states are passing immigrant-friendly laws. Find out what is driving the change.

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

The Latest in Office Supplies: Treadmills

Oregon state workers may test treadmill desks as a way to improve health and increase productivity.

Can Better Organization Produce More Graduates?

Salem, Ore – Governor John Kitzhaber has overhauled education to improve the state’s dismal graduation rate.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Seizing Medicaid Expansion as a Means to Reform

Alabama aims to make its Medicaid program more efficient, before expanding it. Under consideration is a regional care plan developed in Oregon.

Issue To Watch: Immigration

Long-bottled-up bills that address state policies on whether to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students could become law this year, because of changes in party control of legislative chambers and changes in federal policy.

Old Money, New Decisions in Oregon

Almost a decade after balancing its budget with millions of dollars earned off the massive nationwide tobacco settlement reached in 1998, Oregon lawmakers have a second chance this year to put the settlement money to different use.

Oregon State of the State Address 2013

SALEM, Oregon -- Jan. 14 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

Oregon Lawmakers To Consider Nike Expansion in Special Session

Governor John Kitzhaber has asked lawmakers to convene in special session Friday to consider legislation aimed at guaranteeing that Nike will expand in Oregon rather than elsewhere.

Wildfire Epidemic Leaves States Searching for Answers

The West is getting hotter and drier and stoking more destructive fires. They have left fire control officials looking for ways to fight them more effectively with fewer dollars.

After Election Day Confusion, Hawaii Gov Pushes Full Mail-In Voting

On the heels of an Election Day plagued by long lines and mass confusion, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie says he’s pushing for major changes to voting on the islands —mainly, the elimination of the traditional Election Day altogether.

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Oregon Representative Tina Kotek is poised to join openly gay lawmakers in Colorado and Washington as a leader of a state legislative chamber.

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

The widespread popularity of Hawaii’s solar energy incentive — and mass confusion over how to implement it — have dealt a blow to the state’s treasury and become a major topic in state politics.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Oregon to Vote on Changing Unique Tax Refund

For many years, Oregon has been the only state in the country where tax revenue that exceeds what the state estimated it would collect is automatically refunded to taxpayers. For many years, much of Oregon’s political leadership has complained that

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

Advocates of physician-assisted suicide are taking on entrenched opposition as they seek a high-profile victory in Massachusetts.

A Marijuana Revolt?

Colorado, Oregon and Washington voters will decide this November if they want to decriminalize and regulate marijuana production and possession, which could generate millions in state revenue. But any of these initiatives would put the states in conflict with federal law, which classifies marijuana as a controlled substance with no acceptable medical use.

Best of #StateReads: Dangerous Times in New Jersey Halfway Houses

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

As Washington Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy

The federal government has drastically reduced its funding for renewable energy. States have come up with some unusual ways to try and replace it.

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Most spending programs are easily traceable in state budgets. But tax incentives are not. Some legislators think they should be.

How Two State Tax Systems Have (and Haven’t) Shaped Metro Portland

Washington has no income tax. Oregon has no sales tax. In some ways, that matters a great deal for the regional economy. In some ways, it doesn’t.

Contention and Compromise in Virginia, Oregon Tied Chambers

The Virginia Senate and the Oregon House each had an equal number of Democrats and Republicans this year, but that's where the similarities ended.

Oregon Looks to Shrink Middle Management

An unusual mix of Republicans, Democrats and labor leaders are working together to restructure state government.

At Last, a State Budget Year When the Sky Is Not Falling

PART FIVE OF FIVE: After four years of epic budget woes, states are ready for an improved 2012. Some are even poised to add dollars back to programs they wish they never had to cut.

Oregon State of the State Address 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you for that kind introduction. I'm proud of the progress we have made during the past year. We have not shied away from tough decisions - on the budget, education and health car

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Eight States

TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.

Oregon Looks for Education Czar

EDUCATION BEAT: Oregon would join five other states - Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania - with a leader overseeing every level of education.

States Struggle to Update Toxic Chemical Regulation

Unchanged for 35 years, the U.S. Toxic Chemicals Safety Act has left federal regulators without the tools to investigate many chemicals that could endanger human health. That burden has fallen to states, which have enacted a patchwork of regulations that environmentalists, policymakers and industry leaders all consider inadequate.

Oregon Food Stamp Use Surges, Leads Nation

TODAY'S TAKE: New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that nearly a fifth of all Oregon residents received food stamps between 2009 and 2010, the highest rate in the country.

Oregon Banks on Community Health Care

The state's new system is designed to be a throwback to the days of old-fashioned family doctors.

Several States Quick to Opt for No Child waivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin immediately said they would seek waivers from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, an option announced by the president on Friday (September 23).

Oregon Governor Stands Firm on Worker Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: Oregon is one of a handful of states in which current state employees pay nothing toward health insurance for either individual or family plans. Governor John Kitzhaber wants to change that.

What Welfare Cutbacks Say About the Wisdom of Block Grants

Welfare isn't a big item in state budgets, but it's an easy one to go after because the states are in charge. Trimming Medicaid is much more complicated: The federal government has a veto.

After Standoff, Illinois Road Construction Continues

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Illinois senators agree to back off in a budget fight that threatened to halt the state's summer road building season … Nevada clears the way for its first and only tollroad … Digital billboards could soon be legal in Missouri and Oregon, and other transportation news.

White House Objects to Indiana Planned Parenthood Law

HEALTH BEAT: Obama administration concerned about new Indiana Medicaid law… Texas cost-cutting proposal attracts federal scrutiny… Oregon raises hospital taxes, and other health care news.

Indiana Legislature Approves Sweeping School Voucher Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: Pupil vouchers on the way in Indiana ... Georgia cuts pre-kindergarten programs ... Oregon House considers new high school graduation requirements, and other state education news.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

A Three-Year College Degree in Ohio?

EDUCATION BEAT: Ohio governor wants colleges to offer three-year degrees ... Idaho ends its legislative session after approving three controversial education bills ... Oregon lawmakers want the governor to double as school superintendent and other education news from state governments.

Arkansas Asks Voters for Highway Money

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arkansas voters will get a chance to decide whether better roads are worth a tax increase ... Florida's decision to give back federal high-speed rail money has other states scrambling for the funds … Officials in the Northwest and Midwest explore public-private partnerships for new projects, and other transportation news.

Are 'Charter Universities' the Future of State-Funded Higher Ed?

With more budget cuts on the horizon, many flagship universities are warming to a new bargain with state government: In exchange for less state funding, they would get more say in running day-to-day operations as well as the ability to impose some tuition increases.

For Some States, Health Care Waivers Are a Big Deal

States like Vermont and Oregon, with ambitious health plans, stand to benefit if the Obama administration eases up on the rules.

Stateline Headlines

Oregon is first in nation with official state microbe: brewer's yeast

Oregon Senate approves easing regulations on natural hair care

Oregon House approves bill to allow community colleges to compete with career colleges

Martin Plotner, head of Oregon Emergency Dept., placed on leave during investigation

Oregon counties to receive $2 million held under sequestration by Department of Interior

Oregon Legislature OKs instant racing machines at Portland Meadows

Unions may unify, create set of 60,000 members

Oregon House will vote on bill to divert $4.5 million from PDC to schools

Oregon House approves foreclosure mediation expansion; bill headed to Gov. John Kitzhaber

Gain Share debate quietly heats up: Some legislators want to reduce payments, send money to schools

Oregon Senate president borrows from Chip Kelly, uses signs to summon staff, retires the frantic gestures

Portland and its aversion to fluoride reflects Oregon's unusual politics

Ore. bill expands tasting spots for distilleries

In Oregon's timber counties, a split decision on public safety levies could lead to legislative action

For the fourth time since 1956, Portland voters reject fluoridation

Senate Judiciary Committee approves sweeping immigration bill

Background negotiations on gun legislation continue in Oregon Senate

Oregon House passes bill closing out-of-state bank tax 'loophole'

District attorneys favor drug sentencing decrease

US Senate confirms Oregon's newest federal judge

Bill aims to return Hatfield to D.C.

Ore. House backs Hatfield statue in US Capitol

Betsy Johnson makes first appearance in Oregon Senate since car accident

Marijuana legalization advocates pursue referral, ballot initiative to let voters decide

Oregon Health Plan tracking report released; feds to monitor measures

Ways and Means chairmen say Oregon budget will go forward 

May forecast gives Oregon Legislature more than $270 million additional revenue

Oregon Legislature passes bill guarding workers' social media passwords

Revenue forecast shines, but no deal on PERS, taxes at Oregon Legislature

Renewable energy initiative approved for signature gathering

Oregon could send corporations a $20 million tax rebate

Ore. House speaker opens door to more pension cuts

Ore. lawmaker: Rule-breaking coaches should pay

John Kitzhaber's plan for tax, PERS bargain gets mixed reaction

Oregon House passes hospital tax, but it's still part of Senate PERS debate

Oregon's hospital tax: the legislative equivalent of fighting over debt limit?

John Kitzhaber: Oregon Legislature must make a grand bargain or cuts to schools(2)

John Kitzhaber: Oregon Legislature must make a grand bargain or cuts to schools

Cheers! All 50 States Embrace the Home Brew Boom

House approves Oregon hospital, nursing home tax

Oregon Senate requires prevailing wages for construction projects on college campuses

Senate bars employers from requiring access to employee social media accounts

Oregon House passes hospital tax, but it's still part of Senate PERS debate

Waldo Lake motor ban goes to Oregon governor

Oregon Legislature nears vote on hospital tax

Oregon House gives final legislative approval of ban on motors, seaplanes on Waldo Lake

Legislature nears vote on extending tax on hospitals, nursing homes

Mileage fee now: Opposing view

Republicans draw Oregon hospital tax into debate over PERS

Financially troubled Oregon counties face critical turning point locally, in Legislature and in D.C.

Oregon schools' financial woes aren't all because of PERS

Oregon Legislature jobs agenda: brownfields, taxes and industrial development

Oregon legislative leaders retreat to negotiate deal on PERS and taxes

Lawmakers consider expanding state leave laws that business leaders say are already too generous, complex

Oregon lawmakers wade into vaccination debate

After Years of Defeats, Immigrants Win Big State Victories in 2013

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Latest in Office Supplies: Treadmills

Can Better Organization Produce More Graduates?

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Seizing Medicaid Expansion as a Means to Reform

Issue To Watch: Immigration

Old Money, New Decisions in Oregon

Oregon State of the State Address 2013

Oregon Lawmakers To Consider Nike Expansion in Special Session

Wildfire Epidemic Leaves States Searching for Answers

After Election Day Confusion, Hawaii Gov Pushes Full Mail-In Voting

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

Oregon to Vote on Changing Unique Tax Refund

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

A Marijuana Revolt?

Best of #StateReads: Dangerous Times in New Jersey Halfway Houses

As Washington Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Ways and Means chairmen say Oregon budget will go forward