Topic: Oregon

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6 ways to make tax reform happen

Here are six ideas that can guide Congress to a tax reform-deal that both parties should be able to live with – a deal that will raise necessary revenue and help pay down the debt.
Debt-ceiling showdown: 4 reasons it's not a replay of 2011

In 2011, Congress and President Obama went to the brink of government default when congressional Republicans balked at raising the nation's debt ceiling. The spring of 2013 appears to have another debt ceiling fight in store. Here are the top four things that have changed.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
15 best books of 2012 – nonfiction

Here are the Monitor's picks for the 15 best nonfiction books of 2012.
Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

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The Monitor's View: A road map to better US roads

Congress should heed a panel that suggests replacing a tax on gas with one on miles driven.
Herbert Hoover: The 31st President, 1929-1933

Despised at home, Hoover was a savior to many Europeans
Recovery outlook: growth next year

Modest developments on several fronts have some experts foreseeing expansion in 2010.
California, once a dream state, strives to get back its groove

As it has slid, the state's citizens have begun to focus on its core dysfunctions.
Investment fraud suspect Stanford was major political donor

Robert Allen Stanford, his firm, or its employees are said to have delivered $2.4 million to political operations since 2000.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about a cap-and-trade policy for CO2 emissions, why the West shouldn't lecture China about greenhouse-gases, the need for Afghanistan's neighbors to help contain the volatile country, and mandatory service in the US.
USA
In Washington, a new willingness to prosecute food safety cases?

The federal government is considering whether to bring criminal charges in a salmonella outbreak that has killed nine people.
As electric cars gain currency, Oregon charges ahead

‘Green’ state is working on plan for public charging stations; Nissan will debut its electric vehicles here.
For island players, this is the 'Poly Bowl'

Six players in Super Bowl XLIII have Polynesian heritage – a record number for the big game.
California heads for a third dry year in a row
Axed by a big business? Start your own.

Unemployed seek fulfillment in new careers from pet care to finding jobs for moms.
Obama embraces states' rights on auto emissions

On Monday, President Barack Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a waiver request by California and 13 other states to set standards on auto emissions – including those of greenhouse gases – that are tougher than federal standards.
Grandparents answer a call

More are relocating to live closer to their adult children and grandchildren.
Why banks still teeter, after $232 billion in aid

Losses on mortgage debt, followed by recession woes such as corporate bankruptcies and rising defaults on credit cards, delivered a one-two punch.
Driftless
The Hearts of Horses
'Predatory towing' fight brews

Disputes over parking pit drivers against tow truck operators.
USA
EarthTalk: How threatened are US old-growth forests?

Agencies can’t agree on a definition, which hobbles preservation efforts.
Help the Smithsonian solve a garden mystery

The Smithsonian Institution is trying to identify images of American gardens in its archives.
Backyard reactors? Firms shrink the nukes.

New designs could power some remote areas by 2012.
Opinion: Want green jobs? Watch California.

Instead of waffling on green energy, the US must offer consistent support.
As hunger rises in US, so do creative ways to help

One example: Some corporations are being urged to skip their annual holiday party and donate the money to help the hungry instead.
Election '08 is causing a 'brain drain' on Capitol Hill

But many exiting lawmakers also bring years of experience to the Obama administration.