Kitzhaber: Pension, prison cuts tough but needed

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Governor John Kitzhaber (D-Oregon)

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Published: 1/15 5:05 am

Updated: 1/15 5:07 am

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. John Kitzhaber says he recognizes he's asking state lawmakers to make politically risky decisions on public pensions and prisons, but he says tough choices are needed to boost school funding.

The Democratic governor delivered his annual state of the state speech Monday to a joint session of the new state House and Senate. He also says he's willing to raise taxes by rolling back certain tax deductions.

Kitzhaber says the cost of prisons and of public-employee pensions is diverting money from higher priorities. He's called on lawmakers to cut pension benefits for government workers and to change sentencing laws to slow the growth of prisons.

Kitzhaber also says some Oregonians are enjoying the benefits of economic recovery, but rural communities, minorities and the poor are being left behind.

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Kitzhaber, Pensions, prisons, State of Oregon, State of the State

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seahawk - 3/26/2013 10:04 AM

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hope his vacation over sea's was good lets impeach him he wasn't worth anything the first time and sure isn't worth anything this time, when are the lefties going to learn, socialism will not work, look at history!

justme - 1/16/2013 6:17 PM

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Actually all state workers get paid vacations up to 6wks. depending how many years they put in. Max should be 3 wks., more reasonable for tLeodays' day and age. Take away the jails and enforcement for education? The kids won't make it thru school if we have these demented criminals and phycos running loose. Quit making speeches Kitz cuz your foot is sticking out of your mouth

AhShucks - 1/15/2013 11:22 AM

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This guy is just plain stupid. You don't release criminals to cut cost and spend these funds on anything. He's a joker on so many levels. Keep the criminals in jail. He will always use, I mean USE kids, cops, crime, guns etc. to pass a law or policy. He ran Oregon when he was gov before and he will do it again.

jonsmith - 1/15/2013 9:28 AM

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This dang Hippy Cowboy is going to release death row inmates, in the name of schools (B.S.). All remember he won't let them be put down, those that are deserving of death row should be HUNG in a public square where they offended. As for the pensions, He should start by foregoing his own hundreds of thousands pension(s). Unlike the teachers he doesn't deserve one. Public servants like Governor, President, Senator, Mayor, and Reps, should be VOLUNTARY. These positions are for the good of the people, not ones pocket book.

dtomdick - 1/15/2013 7:34 AM

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This should get interesting if he is really being honest about what he is saying, and ready to push his ideas. Pension reform in the favor of education? Now that is going to be fun to watch because teachers are some of the largest beneficiaries of the lavish state pensions. Politically risky decisions, what a joke. Why did these people take these jobs if if were not for future wealth for them. They won't do anything that is politically risky. So here we are back in the same old boat of failure except for the elite who are in charge.

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