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Kitzhaber criticizes foes of paying for state's needs By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune A special legislative session to deal with the state's $700 million budget deficit is just days away, but that didn't stop Gov. John Kitzhaber on Monday from openly criticizing a reduction plan drafted by legislative leaders. "I'm talking about a mind set that recognizes the need for resources in the general fund but doesn't want to pay for it," Kitzhaber told more than 100 community members at Medford City Hall. "I just think it's irresponsible to finance state government like that." Kitzhaber said Monday that legislative leaders' plan would cut $481 million from the budget, while his would trim $414 million, a gap of $67 million. Legislators and the governor meet in Salem on Friday to close the gap and look for consensus on revenue-generating proposals. Kitzhaber's budget reduction plan calls for raising money by repealing Measure 88, a voter-approved income tax cut, increasing beer and wine taxes by about 5 cents a drink and boosting the cigarette tax by 30 cents a pack. He would cut $193 million from education, $69.7 million from human services and $73.1 million from public safety as well as making smaller cuts in other areas. Eagle Point School Board member Doug McKinley told Kitzhaber his proposed "sin" taxes unnecessarily penalize smokers and drinkers - people who typically fall into middle- and low-income brackets. He suggested taxing coffee, a product that all classes enjoy. "Tax everybody straight across the board," he said. "It's just not fair." Medford developer and contractor Michael Burrill told Kitzhaber he supported tax increases that would balance the state's budget. He praised Kitzhaber's efforts to tackle the volatile topic. "I think it's high time in Oregon that (politicians) look at what the needs are," Burrill said. "If they're not willing to do that, they shouldn't be running (for office)." Kitzhaber also talked about his long-term proposals to generate revenue and keep the state's budget in balance. He proposed creating a rainy-day fund from lottery revenue and a real estate tax, and said if such a fund were in place now the state wouldn't be facing such tough choices. Kitzhaber also has suggested raising the state's vehicle registration fee by $15 to finance work on roads and bridges. Jackson County Commissioner Sue Kupillas attended the meeting and said she approved of Kitzhaber's decision to plan for the future and not just deal with the task at hand. "I agree with his way of looking at a wide variety of revenue sources," she added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.