Stateline Headlines

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

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.

The Not-So-Dependable Sales Tax

In a recession, people cut back on buying things they don't really need. States that depend heavily on sales tax revenue for their budgets have been hit hard as a result.

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.

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.

State Laws Allow Adoptees To Unlock The Past

Last month, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld a law giving adoptees 21 and older access to their birth certificates and adoption records. In Oregon, a first-of-a kind ballot initiative guaranteeing the same right is bottled up in a state appeals court. Over the years, requests to open these records have spawned pitched battles involving adoptees, birth mothers wishing to remain anonymous and anti-abortion advocates who fear that open records laws will make more women choose abortion over adoption.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Rush To Adjourn; Two States In Overtime

While the legislatures in Maine and Louisiana closed their sessions as expected on June 19 and June 21 respectively and Rhode Island was poised to adjourn, lawmakers in Oregon and New Hampshire are pushing beyond scheduled closing dates to address unresolved issues. For more information, click on

Oregon Senate votes down schools budget

Oregon legislators look at expanded tax options for financially troubled counties

Oregon school budget fails, back to table for negotiators

School vote marks turning point as Oregon lawmakers get serious about adjournment

Tuition increases likely for community, state colleges with budget headed for vote

Oregon House approves bill allowing state agencies to provide services to financially distressed timber counties(2)

Oregon House approves bill allowing state agencies to provide services to financially distressed timber counties

Wheat industry will survive Oregon’s genetically engineered strain

Bill requires American flag in all Ore. classrooms

Oregon Senate approves allowing 700 seniors, disabled to return to property tax deferral program

Mahonia Hall, the governor's mansion in Salem, gets an energy makeover

Oregon Senate Democrats deny Republicans chance to vote for universal Nike tax deal

Oregon Legislature approves in-state tuition for veterans

Oregon liquor board to Legislature: Raise your own taxes

Unstable PERS leads to retirement rush

No sign of relief from Oregon budget impasse

Oregon voters could get say on adding Equal Rights Amendment to state constitution

Liquor surcharge would increase cost of drinking in Oregon, boost state budget

No progress on budget impasse

Ore. senators seek to declassify FISA court rulings

For Oregonians, shopping in Washington may soon not be so tax-free

Oregon Senate passes bill limiting local government drone use

Ore. Senate passes bill regulating police drones

Senate votes to grant in-state tuition to out-of-state vets

Budget deal in the works

Oregon Supreme Court hearing arguments in overnight vigil arrests

Two marijuana initiatives filed for Oregon ballot; stay tuned for more

Shift Oregon budget debate to revenue, not PERS, says Gov. John Kitzhaber

Immigration policy: House votes to resume deporting younger immigrants

Wolf plan moves forward after approval by Oregon House

Vaccination regulations tightened for children

Budget to seek lasting PERS solution

The Game of PERS

Watered down 'Pledge' bill passes out of Oregon Senate

Bill allowing some minors convicted of sex crimes to clear their records heads to Gov. Kitzhaber's desk

Oregon budget impasse remains unbroken

Oregon House honors former speaker

Letter details inappropriate behavior by Oregon Military Department deputy director

Oregon bill would regulate tracking devices for kids

Ore. lobbying bill may create unintended loophole

House honors former Speaker Lynn Lundquist

Lawmakers to consider retirement savings fund for all workers in Oregon

Gov. John Kitzhaber signs foreclosure mediation expansion

Second day of budget talks between Gov. Kitzhaber, lawmakers ends without agreement

Governor's budget names state building projects that could get bond money

Senate approves workplace protections for interns

Budget impasse remains unbroken

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

Oregon State of the State Address 2011

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2011 state of the state address: So I guess none of you could get tickets to the game either. Before I begin I would like to pause to offer my heartfelt thanks, my own and on behalf of Oregon to Governor Ted Kulongoski. I don't

Oregon State of the State Address 2010

PORTLAND, Ore. - April 2- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's (D) 2010 state of the state address. Thank you President Wiewel for your kind introduction. It is fitting that I deliver this state of the state address - which is my last - at a university campus. We are beginning to come out of a

Oregon State of the State Address 2009

SALEM, Ore. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's (D) 2009 state of the state address. Speaker Hunt, President Courtney, members of the 75th Legislative Assembly, Chief Justice Paul De Muniz, my colleagues, and fellow Oregonians across this great and blessed state. Welcome to a new ye

Oregon State of the State Address 2008

PORTLAND, Ore., March 21, 2008 -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's state of the state address: Thank you, Don, for your introduction. I also want to thank the members of the City Club of Portland for your civic engagement - and for giving me this forum to deliver my sixth State of the Stat

Oregon City Club of Portland Speech 2007

PORTLAND, Ore., April 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2007 address to the City Club of Portland. Click here to access the Governor's website. Thank you Susan for your generous introduction. And thanks to the members of the City Club of Portland for giving me this opportunity to talk about

Oregon State of the State Address 2006

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb 24 - Following is the text of Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2006 state of the state address as prepared: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you, Doug, for your introduction, and for once again making the City Club of Portland available to me as

Oregon State of the State Address 2005

PORTLAND, Oregon - - Following is the text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Minnis, President Courtney, members of the Legislative Assembly, honored guests and fellow citizens, I am honored to be here, and proud to deliver my State of the State message on this first day of the 2005

Oregon State of the State Address 2000

PORTLAND, Oregon - Jan. 21 - Following is the full text of Gov, John Kitzhaber's 2000 State of the State Address: Today I want to talk to you about Oregon's future. In particular, I want to talk about two of the most central challenges facing our state as we enter the new century: improving our system of public edu

Oregon Votes on Tax Hike as States Set Ballot Fights

Oregons referendum on increasing taxes is among the first batch of statewide ballot measures this election year. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from adopting a state flag in Georgia to changing how fiscal impact statements are written in North Dakota.

Oregon Rejects Tax Increase as States Set Ballot Fights

Oregon voters soundly rejected a referendum on increasing taxes Tuesday. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from adopting a state flag in Georgia to changing how fiscal impact statements are written in North Dakota.

Oregon Voters Reject Tax Hike, Face Cuts

Oregon voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have raised their taxes for the next three years to head off planned cuts to education, law enforcement and other state programs.

Oregon Budget Woes Grow As Options Dwindle

From Maine to California, state officials face the worst fiscal problems in years. Nowhere is the situation bleaker than in Oregon, and policy makers there have increasingly limited options.

Mailbox Replacing Ballot Box In Many States

Oregon and Washington are known for allowing voting by mail, but the trend is growing -- 20 other states also allow voters to mail in ballots for any reason to make choosing elected officials more convenient.

Oregon to Vote on Health Insurance Reform

On Tuesday, Oregon voters will say yes or no to a health care reform proposal calling for single payer, universal coverage of state residents. Their verdict will be closely watched in other states where campaigns to restructure the health insurance system are also underway.

Oregon Health Plan Defeated

Voters in Oregon gave a resounding no to a proposed single-payer health insurance system Tuesday. But backers of universal health coverage vowed to try again in 2004.

Oregon Tax Hike Plan Faces Uphill Climb

Oregon voters are likely to reject a proposed $724 million temporary income tax hike in a referendum in January despite their selection earlier this month of Democrat Ted Kulongoski to be the states next governor. Kulongoski backs the tax increase, which he and other supporters say is better than the alternative of dealing with a budget shortfall by cutting more than $300 million from education, health care and other programs.

Oregon Lawmakers Finally Adjourn, Others Also Call It Quits

Oregon lawmakers adjourned their third-longest session in history on Saturday, and their Mississippi counterparts opted for the briefest of special sessions instead of a gabfest when they answered the governor's call to return to Jackson last week. Elsewhere on the state political scene, North Carolina lawmakers ended work last week with an alacrity unusual in recent years, leaving eight legislatures that have yet to finish regular business. For more, click on

Oregon Tests Novel Mileage Tax

In 1919, Oregon was the first state to tax gasoline. This fall, the state will launch the nation's first high-tech experiment to tax drivers for the miles they travel rather than the gas they buy. The program is the first step in a long-term plan to replace the state's gasoline tax, which pays for about 40 percent of Oregon's road projects.

WORTH NOTING: Voters' Guide Promotes Phone Sex

An Oregon voters' guide lists a very wrong number. California's governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Oregon's Primary Unlike Any Other

Oregon Democrats are in the unfathomable position of voting in a still-contested presidential primary May 20, but their votes also stand out for another reason. Oregon stands alone as the only state where all the voting is done by mail. It is also one of six states that have contests for secretary of state this year - in Oregon's case, the No. 2 politician after the governor and the official in charge of overseeing that one-of-kind voting system.

Payday Lenders Catch Lawmakers' Attention

Legislators in Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon recently have clamped down on the short-term, high-interest lending industry, blaming it for saddling residents with dangerous levels of debt.

Oregonians reconsider land-use measure

Three years ago, Oregonians voted to give themselves unprecedented property rights. Now the state's citizens are trying to decide whether to roll back those rights.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Setting Records in Wisconsin, Oregon

Sales tax revenue drops for the first time in Wisconsin. Demand for food stamps and food boxes sets records in Oregon. Cigar-smoking Pennsylvania lawmakers reject tobacco tax increase.

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 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

Summary of the Oregon State of the State Address

Term-limited Oregon Governor Ted Kulogonski used his final state of the state speech to look back on his eight years in office - a period, he noted, that covered not one but two recessions. But Kulongoski, a Democrat, also April 2 called on lawmakers to take a longer view of the state's finances and make decisions to avoid what he called a "budgetary cliff" caused by the end of federal stimulus dollars and the exhaustion of the state's rainy day fund.

Oregon Could Join California on Pot Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: California has attracted national attention for a November ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would legalize and tax marijuana. California's northern neighbor, Oregon, may have a similar measure on its ballot. The Oregon secretary of state's office has certified a petition drive that would decriminalize pot if its supporters gather enough signatures - and votes.

New Meth Recipe Sidesteps State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: A new method of making methamphetamine - a highly addictive street drug that has caused law enforcement and public health problems from Oregon to Kentucky - is circumventing tough state laws that had been making headway against production of the drug. The new method uses less of a key ingredient - pseudoephedrine - that states have made much harder to acquire.

More Bad Budget News in Oregon

TODAY'S TAKE: Revenues continue to fall off a cliff in Oregon. On Thursday (Aug. 26), the state economist announced a new $378 million shortfall in the current two-year budget. Meanwhile, corporations could receive a tax rebate despite the state's lack of money.

A House Divided: Oregon Elects Two Speakers

TODAY'S TAKE: For the first time in its history, the Oregon House of Representatives is evenly divided. On Monday (January 10), members amicably decided to elect two speakers - one from each party - who will alternate control of the gavel every other day.

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.

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 Looks to Shrink Middle Management

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

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.

Will Oregon Voters Opt for Kitzhaber a Third Time?

Democrats don't usually lose in Oregon. But a season of voter anger - and an unusual Republican challenger - may be reason enough to place John Kitzhaber's comeback plans in some doubt.

Oregon Tax Hikes Don't Stop Revenue Bleeding

When Oregon voters approved tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy in January, the move was supposed to help the state avoid big budget cuts. But an expected surge in revenue never materialized. As Oregon slashes funding for key programs, Republicans want to make sure Democrats pay a price at the polls in November.