Budget

Lane County Public Safety Measure Passes

Lucy Ohlsen — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:32:36 +0000

The Lane County levy for jail and youth services passed with 56%. KLCC’s Lucy Ohlsen was at the yes-on-213 watch party, where Sheriff Thomas Turner celebrated with supporters.

Washington Special Session Starts With No Budget Deal

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:24:17 +0000

The Washington legislature reconvenes Monday for a 30-day special session. But there’s still no budget deal in sight – despite a two week break to negotiate. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has this update from the Capitol.

Washington Legislature Adjourns, But Not For Long

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:59:15 +0000

The Washington legislature has adjourned after a 105-day session. The final gavels fell just after six o’clock Sunday night.

Owen: “The 2013 regular session of the 63rd legislature is adjourned Sine Die"

But the adjournment won’t last long. Governor Jay Inslee immediately called a special session for two weeks from now because the House and Senate failed to come to agreement on a two-year budget. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Special Session Looms In Olympia

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:45:55 +0000

Washington’s 105-day legislative session ends this Sunday. House Democrats took a nearly $1 billion tax vote Wednesday. But there’s still no budget deal. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins says Governor Jay Inslee stopped short of saying a special session will be necessary.

On Tax Day, Oregon Lawmakers Consider A Sales Tax

Chris Lehman — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:22:07 +0000

One of the most politically sensitive topics in Oregon is up for debate at the state capitol Monday. Lawmakers will hold a hearing on whether to ask Oregon voters to approve a sales tax. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

House Debates Proposals To Raise Revenue For Counties Through Logging

Amelia Templeton — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:44:05 +0000

Congress is back in session this week. The House will discuss two proposals that would increase logging in federal forests to raise money for struggling timber counties. Amelia Templeton of EarthFix reports.

Washington Dream Act Unlikely to Clear Senate

Liz Jones — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:38:45 +0000

Supporters of the so-called Washington Dream Act plan to make one more uphill push in Olympia Tuesday. The measure would extend state financial aid to eligible college students who are in the US illegally. Hopes for the bill dwindled this weekend as a key state senator spoke out against the measure. KUOW’s Liz Jones reports.

Washington Governor: End Tax Breaks, Extend Expiring Taxes To Fund Schools

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:48:25 +0000

Washington Governor Jay Inslee wants to close or curtail a dozen tax breaks and continue a couple of tax increases that are about to expire. The money raised – more than a billion dollars – would be earmarked for public schools. The plan unveiled Thursday is part of the Democrat’s budget priorities for the next two years. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Washington Governor Eyes Tax 'Loopholes' For Elimination

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:21:21 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Hopes for a rosier budget outlook in Washington are dimming. Expected savings in Medicaid haven’t materialized. And many state lawmakers expect this week’s quarterly revenue forecast to show a downward slide. Add to that, a Supreme Court ruling that requires more funding for schools.

In response, Democratic Governor Jay Inslee is expected to announce soon a list of tax “loopholes” – as he calls them – he wants to eliminate to fund schools.

Pension Adjustments Would Bring Mixed Impact To Oregon Retirees

Chris Lehman — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:39:12 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Republicans and Democrats at Oregon's capitol want to balance the state budget by taking aim at the pension system for public workers. Both parties as well as Governor John Kitzhaber say changes to the retirement system would help prevent more cuts to schools. But retirees claim the proposals would break a promise.

Andy Porter has been teaching high school math for nearly three decades in Lake Oswego, Oregon.