Chris Lehman

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. But he said it can only happen if Oregonians are on-board.

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. But nonprofits complained that those taxpayers are the ones with the ability to make bigger donations.

  SALEM, Ore. – Cost cutting to Oregon’s public sector pension system is on the fast track. The Oregon House could vote as soon as next week on a controversial proposal to cut benefits for retired public employees. The Oregon Senate approved the measure Thursday on a party-line vote.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon, like most states, doesn’t allow you to get a driver license if you’re in the country illegally. That may change. As Congress debates immigration reform, Oregon lawmakers are considering a measure that would grant four-year driving privileges to people who otherwise wouldn't qualify for a license. The measure is up for a committee vote Thursday.

SALEM, Ore. – Democrats in the Oregon legislature are offering up more details of their plan to raise an additional $275 million for the upcoming budget. High-income earners and some businesses would pay more under the proposal, which was released Tuesday.

Democratic leaders say under their plan, less than five percent of Oregonians would pay more in taxes. The increases are aimed at households earning more than $250,000. Those taxpayers would be able to claim fewer deductions and exemptions on their tax returns.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon lawmakers will hear hours of testimony Friday on a slate of bills aimed at curbing gun violence. Supporters of stricter gun laws rallied at the capitol Thursday in advance of the hearing.

Gina Saracco was shopping for Christmas gifts at the Clackamas Town Center mall last December when shots rang out. A gunman killed two people and wounded another before killing himself. Saracco told ralliers that her fear turned to anger when days later 26 people were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

SALEM, Ore. – A ban on the use of so-called seclusion cells in Oregon schools is on its way to the desk of Governor John Kitzhaber. The Oregon Senate voted Monday to approve the measure that would phase out the small rooms. They’re used when out-of-control students need a place to calm down without posing a risk to themselves or others.

Democratic senator Lee Beyer told his colleagues there are other ways to handle these students.

"I understand the problems that you have in containing some of these young people that have problems, but this is the wrong way."

  SALEM, Ore. – Marijuana advocates are taking their message to the Oregon capitol. A legislative panel will consider a measure Tuesday that would legalize and tax the drug. It comes as Washington state is in the process of crafting rules about how to regulate pot after voters there approved legalization.

Still, Anthony Johnson knows he's asking a lot.

"I understand that this is a heavy lift for the legislature to pass this bill this year," he says.

SALEM, Ore. – Gun legislation is gaining momentum at the Oregon capitol. A Senate panel has scheduled a marathon hearing on a slate of measures that would require more background checks and limit where people could carry guns. The hearing is set for next Friday, April 5.