John Kitzhaber

Kitzhaber Challenges Lawmakers To Pass Additional Pension Cuts, Tax Hikes

Chris Lehman — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:33:14 +0000

On the eve of a new state revenue forecast, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber is putting pressure on state lawmakers to reach a deal over taxes and public pensions. The Democrat proposed a compromise Wednesday aimed at pleasing Republicans and Democrats in the legislature.

Majority Democrats have already approved cuts to public retiree pensions. But Republicans said the cuts weren't deep enough.

Coquille Tribe Defends Proposal For A Second Casino

Amelia Templeton — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:47:48 +0000

The Coquille tribe is meeting with local officials this week to discuss their proposal to build a casino in Medford. It would be the tribe’s second casino, and could end an informal agreement that has limited gambling in Oregon.

Oregon Lawmakers Hear Sales Tax Proposal

Chris Lehman — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:27:17 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber told lawmakers Monday to approach a possible sales tax with caution. Oregon is one of five states without a sales tax and critics say that leaves state finances vulnerable to economic ups and downs.

The governor told a Senate panel that a sales tax is one possible component of a major overhaul to the state's tax code.

'Tuition Equity' Signed, Driver Licenses For Undocumented Workers Introduced

Colin Fogarty — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:06:59 +0000

Students in the country illegally can now pay in-state tuition rates at Oregon universities. Gov. John Kitzhaber signed what’s known as the “tuition equity” bill into law Tuesday at a crowded ceremony in Salem.

Education Leaders See Potential For "Adequate" School Funding, But Cuts Possible, Too

Rob Manning — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:38:15 +0000

The latest state budget plans released Monday in Salem are drawing mixed reviews from the education community.

Oregon Lawmakers Consider Death Penalty Repeal

Chris Lehman — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:47:40 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – More than a year ago, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber stunned people by enacting a moratorium on the death penalty. It happened just weeks before the scheduled execution of two-time murderer Gary Haugen. At a hearing Tuesday, lawmakers took up the question of whether to ask voters to repeal the death penalty altogether. But it’s not clear whether that will actually happen.

Dan Bryant knows the unique pain of learning a loved one has been murdered.

Kitzhaber Signs Water Eastern Oregon Water Plan

Courtney Flatt — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:55:09 +0000

Governor John Kitzhaber signed a plan that will move several eastern Oregon water projects one step forward.

Support For In-State Tuition For Young Immigrants Gains Momentum

Virginia Alvino — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:31:22 +0000

Momentum is building in Salem for a bill to give children of undocumented immigrants in-state tuition rates at Oregon universities. Gov. John Kitzhaber threw his weight behind the idea Monday.

Kitzhaber Urges Death Penalty Vote, Legislative Leaders Lukewarm

Chris Lehman — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:54:20 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber is urging state lawmakers to send voters a measure to ban capital punishment. But in a meeting with reporters Tuesday, legislative leaders showed little enthusiasm for taking up the hot button issue.

When the governor put a moratorium on the death penalty in November of 2011, he also called on the legislature to debate the issue.

Kitzhaber Urges Oregon Lawmakers To Keep Cooperating

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:09:21 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber is urging state lawmakers to maintain bipartisan cooperation even though Democrats now control both chambers of the legislature.