SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and legislative leaders from both parties will meet with newspaper editors from across the state.
The political leaders will discuss their priorities for the upcoming legislative session during an annual meeting of news editors sponsored by The Associated Press. The meeting is scheduled for Monday in a hearing room at the state Capitol.
Lawmakers and the governor face a steep budget deficit. For the first time, the House of Representatives is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, forcing lawmakers to cooperate across party lines or risk gridlock.
Kitzhaber is beginning his third week on the job and has pledged to focus on creating jobs, boosting the economy and balancing the budget.
The legislative session begins Feb. 1.
