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53 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, January 28, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Opportunities Moving to Southern Oregon? MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend January 11, 2005 Address draws varied reactions Some local legislators praise, others criticize Kulongoski agenda By DON JEPSEN for the Mail Tribune SALEM — Members of the Jackson County delegation divided along party lines in their reaction to Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s "state-of-the-state" address to the opening session of the 2005 Legislature. Rep. George Gilman, R-Medford, sharply criticized the governor’s comments on the need for an "exit strategy" from Iraq and his denouncement of the Bush administration’s proposal to repeal a 2001 rule prohibiting logging in roadless areas. "I believe we can establish a democracy in Iraq that will serve as a beacon for many other countries," Gilman said. "And more (federal timber) cut is sure going to help my district." Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, characterized the governor’s speech as an effort to shore up his liberal support in the 2006 Democratic primary for governor. "The state-of-the-state speech was also a political speech on behalf of his constituency," said Richardson. He said there was "something in that speech for everyone to love and hate." Advertisement Although the governor was interrupted repeatedly by applause, many GOP senators and representatives sat on their hands when the governor accused the Bush administration of attempting to dismantle Oregon’s environmental legacy. Two Democratic Ashland legislators called the governor’s remarks "appropriate," although newly elected Sen. Alan Bates said he was surprised there was no reference to health care. Bates is serving on the Ways and Means subcommittee on human services, which will be chaired by Richardson. "I agree with the governor about the war, but I want to focus on state issues," said Bates. Freshman Rep. Peter Buckley said the speech was "specific and to the point" on budget issues. "He emphasized that we have to have a budget that is transparent, clear and is understood by the public," Buckley said. "The governor’s remarks on Iraq were unexpected," he added. "But Ted has every right to speak out on the war. I share his view that it is damaging the state and the nation." Delegation members listed some of their own priorities for the upcoming session, which is expected to be shorter than the record-breaking 2003 Legislature. Both Bates and Buckley said they would like to see the state recapture the kicker money that will be due corporations because their tax payments exceeded the amount estimated by the Department of Revenue. There will be no kicker refunds for individual taxpayers. Bates’ preference is to put the kicker into grants for individuals who want to attend college. "In my area, the big barrier to getting a college education is the lack of funds." Adequate funding of the Oregon Opportunity grant program would solve that, he said. Buckley said one of his priorities will be "a thorough review" of tax exemptions to see if dollars can be recovered to fund programs. Richardson probably faces the toughest task —shepherding the $9.56 billion budget for human services. "My goal is to improve benefits at the least possible costs," he said, adding, "I’m worried that too many resources do not get to the people." He said the subcommittee will carefully review the Department of Human Services budget for any possible administrative savings. He said that while the Oregon Health Plan has been "a model watched by other states," it also has consumed so many assets that it may be unsustainable. "Nothing is sacred. I don’t want to unravel the Oregon Health Plan, but nothing says that it has to be protected at all costs," Richardson said. Richardson said he is already communicating with Bates on shaping the budget for social services. "He and I are going to work together to make sure the dollars are used effectively," said Richardson. Don Jepsen is a free-lance writer living in Salem. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Student Loan Consolidation Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers