Oregon businesses suggest compromise with lawmakers

BEND — Representatives from some of Oregon's biggest businesses have expressed a willingness to consider tax increases to help fund state services as long as legislators are willing to compromise.

The Bulletin of Bend reports that at the Oregon Leadership Summit on Monday businesses joined school districts, Republicans and some Democrats in calling for the state to curb government spending, particularly in the state's retirement system for public employees.

PacifiCorp Transmission CEO Pat Reiten says business leaders are willing to talk about revenues, but that that conversation needs to include talks about costs and cost management.

Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser says unless the state addresses the retirement system, any new taxes will just be going to pay old obligations.

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com