Gov. Brown’s agenda: Health care, environment and housing

(Update: Adding Republicans’ reaction, poll)

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Gov. Kate Brown said after her inauguration for another term Monday that Oregon needs to shore up health care, the environment, the education system and housing.

Addressing a packed chamber in the Legislature, Brown said in her State of the State address that Oregon’s unemployment rate is the lowest on record and has one of the fastest job growth rates in the country.

But she said not everyone is prosperous, and that homelessness and spiraling rents must be tackled.

She also pushed campaign finance reform.

Brown was inaugurated before delivering the speech. Lawmakers were also sworn in for the 2019 legislative session, which starts next week.

Democrats control the Legislature, with a three-fifths super majority in the House and Senate, giving them greater power to impose taxes.

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News release from Gov. Brown, including link to address, agenda/budget proposal:

Governor Kate Brown Calls for Bold Action in Inaugural Address

(Salem, OR) — In her inaugural address today, Governor Kate Brown called on legislators to work together to address Oregon’s pressing issues.

“Oregon families are counting on us,” said Governor Brown. “While we tackle today’s fiscal challenges, we must also address the challenges of our future. Today we stand at a turning point, with an opportunity to put Oregon on a better path forward.”

Governor Brown’s agenda for the 2019 legislative session focuses on key policies to help Oregon’s children and families thrive: defending democracy, access to health coverage, protecting Oregon’s beauty and bounty, ensuring every Oregonian has a safe, dry place to call home, and access to quality education and career opportunities. Governor Brown’s Inaugural Address Governor Brown’s Agenda and Budget Proposal

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News release from the Oregon House Republican Office:

Governor Brown offers few new ideas to address old problems

Governor asks for millions more without assuring money will be well spent

SALEM, Ore. – Gov. Kate Brown’s inaugural address Monday offered more recycled ideas than fresh new approaches to problems that have plagued Oregon under Democrat control.

Calling for more spending on education and housing, while ignoring the PERS crisis, the old mantra was repeated.

“Rather than inspiring us with some innovative options, we were watching a re-run of past performances,” House Republican Leader Rep. Carl Wilson (R-Grants Pass) said. “Oregonians need to know their Governor is willing to make hard spending choices – not just continuing to ask for millions from Oregon taxpayers. It was quite a dream sheet. Fortunately, Oregon can’t print money.”