Tina Kotek

Still No Agreement On Revenue, Pensions In Oregon Legislature

Chris Lehman — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:59:12 +0000

Oregon lawmakers could vote as soon as Tuesday on money for K-12 education. But final approval of the spending plan likely won't happen until later this month.

On the table right now is $6.75 billion for Oregon schools. That's a sizable jump over the current spending plan. But some of the state's largest districts say even with that increase, they'd still need to cut teachers or school days.

Both parties want to bump the number up.

Democrats Back Away From Charity Deduction Proposal

Chris Lehman — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:56:07 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Democrats in the Oregon House are backing away from a key aspect of their budget-balancing tax measure. They’re no longer proposing to end the deduction for charitable donations for some high-income earners. The move Monday comes in the face of withering criticism from nonprofits.

The original plan would have applied only to households earning more than $250,000. Majority Democrats said it would have affected less than 3 percent of Oregon taxpayers.

Oregon Democrats Prepare For Backlash Against Public Pension Proposal

Chris Lehman — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:42:20 +0000

Democrats in the Oregon legislature are bracing themselves for a backlash against a public pension cost cutting proposal they released Monday. The plan would create a sliding scale to cap cost of living increases for retired public workers. Budget-writers hope to apply the savings to education funding.

New Speaker Makes History As Oregon Legislature Opens

Chris Lehman — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:57:06 +0000

The Oregon House convened Monday morning and quickly made history. Members elected Portland Democrat Tina Kotek to be their speaker.

Kotek Set To Make History As Nation's First Openly Lesbian House Speaker

Chris Lehman — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:03:40 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon lawmakers are poised to make history Monday by electing the first ever openly lesbian Speaker of the House. Not just in Oregon, but in the country. Portland Democrat Tina Kotek will lead the chamber as lawmakers tackle the state budget, pension reform, and other issues. One issue not on her agenda: Same-sex marriage.

Kotek won't be the first openly gay person to lead a legislative chamber in the U.S. There have been at least four others.

High Stakes Election For Possible Oregon House Speakers

Chris Lehman — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 23:31:19 +0000

Democrats and Republicans in Oregon are locked in a fierce battle for control of the Oregon House. It's currently split right down the middle. Some of the biggest legislative money-raisers this year are two candidates who don't have serious opposition on the ballot.