SALEM, OR 2003-08-11 (OPB Radio) - Republicans in the Oregon House have put on hold a proposal to balance the state budget without tax increases. House members are waiting for the Senate to vote on a bipartisan package that includes tax increases.
The plan unveiled late last week would reduce a $145 automatic deduction for individuals and delay the implementation of an income tax cut approved by voters in 2000. The state's minimum tax on corporations would go up and elderly Oregonians who deduct the cost of medications from their taxes would be subject to a new means test.
Governor Ted Kulongoski expects the package to be the framework that will end the budget stalemate.
Ted Kulongoski: Not only is it the best shot, I think it is THE shot. It's the one that we're going to find a way to get the legislature adjourned.
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