.... As the Oregon Business Association calculates the numbers, the package the Senate considered in this morning's floor session, a package of new taxes and pension cuts, that yes votes would pay for 2000 teachers or add 9 school days state-wide.

The idea was the the Senate would vote on House Bill 2456, would provide about $200 million in new taxes by ending a senior medical deduction; and increasing taxes on the rich, large companies and smokers.

Tax increases require a three-fifths majority to pass and so that meant in a chamber Democrats control 16 to 14, they'd need to find two Republican senators to vote "yes." But only Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) did so. That meant the measure failed. .....