Stateline Headlines

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

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

Mileage fee now: Opposing view

COlleges might ask about sexual orientation

Bill would give break to some young sex offenders

Ore. lawmakers hope to limit tax lawsuit impact

Oregon Senate pushes to limit impact of high-stakes lawsuit

Two state representatives sponsor referendum on new law granting driver cards to undocumented residents

Teen tanning ban passes Oregon Senate, heading to John Kitzhaber

Export coal deal stalls as companies renegotiate

Oregon secretary of state tweaks universal registration bill in search of more support

Oregon House approves bill giving break to some teen sex offenders

Bill revives debate over Portland's 'sit-lie' law

Ore. bill would make voter registration automatic

New plan on voter registration heard

Winters among those backing bill seeking to gather racial effects of law changes

Bill would give break to some young sex offenders

Oregon House narrowly approves workplace protections for domestic workers

Governor signs measure to increase regulation of sports agents

Future of Oregon's historic bottle bill rests on redemption centers

National Day of the Cowboy gets Oregon Legislature's blessing

Senate to vote on tanning bill

Gov. Kitzhaber signs Oregon public-employee pension cuts

Oregon gun control bills may be dead

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.

What the Oregon experiment says about Obamacare

Governor signs bill with PERS benefit cuts

Digital proof of motor insurance bill headed to Gov. John Kitzhaber

Oregon gun bills in serious trouble as Courtney keeps them from full Senate(2)

OHSU guards could carry guns under bill heading to John Kitzhaber

Oregon Senate passes bill allowing moms to keep placentas

Gov. Kitzhaber signs bill cutting pension benefits for some retired government workers

Oregon Legislature in a lull as key senator recovers from car crash

Oregon gun bills in serious trouble as Courtney keeps them from full Senate

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.

Stateline Headlines

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

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

Mileage fee now: Opposing view

COlleges might ask about sexual orientation

Bill would give break to some young sex offenders

Ore. lawmakers hope to limit tax lawsuit impact

Oregon Senate pushes to limit impact of high-stakes lawsuit

Two state representatives sponsor referendum on new law granting driver cards to undocumented residents

Teen tanning ban passes Oregon Senate, heading to John Kitzhaber

Export coal deal stalls as companies renegotiate

Oregon secretary of state tweaks universal registration bill in search of more support

Oregon House approves bill giving break to some teen sex offenders

Bill revives debate over Portland's 'sit-lie' law

Ore. bill would make voter registration automatic

New plan on voter registration heard

Winters among those backing bill seeking to gather racial effects of law changes

Bill would give break to some young sex offenders

Oregon House narrowly approves workplace protections for domestic workers

Governor signs measure to increase regulation of sports agents

Future of Oregon's historic bottle bill rests on redemption centers

National Day of the Cowboy gets Oregon Legislature's blessing

Senate to vote on tanning bill

Gov. Kitzhaber signs Oregon public-employee pension cuts

Oregon gun control bills may be dead

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

What the Oregon experiment says about Obamacare

Governor signs bill with PERS benefit cuts

Digital proof of motor insurance bill headed to Gov. John Kitzhaber

Oregon gun bills in serious trouble as Courtney keeps them from full Senate(2)

OHSU guards could carry guns under bill heading to John Kitzhaber

Oregon Senate passes bill allowing moms to keep placentas

Gov. Kitzhaber signs bill cutting pension benefits for some retired government workers

Oregon Legislature in a lull as key senator recovers from car crash

Oregon gun bills in serious trouble as Courtney keeps them from full Senate

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

Ways and Means chairmen say Oregon budget will go forward