SALEM, OR -- The Oregon Legislature faces difficult budget decisions, this year, and they're getting input from residents over the next three weeks. 

Lawmakers face a budget gap of $1.8 billion. They're holding hearings throughout the state to find a solution, beginning with meetings in Salem and Portland over the weekend. At one, an attendee told the crowd, "We need to save higher education." That's one priority. Others include K-12 education, veterans affairs and human services.

There is one theme, so far: Where to get the money. One man said, "Those who do business in our state need to pay their fair share and deliver on the promise of a better Oregon for all citizens." Retired state worker Katherine Stern insisted, "It is insane to reward corporations for tax breaks for coming to our state without accountability for what, if anything, they provide in turn." Oregon's corporate tax structure is seen by most as the solution to the shortfall. Measure 97, which would have increased corporate taxes, was defeated by voters in November. A similar plan is expected to be discussed during the 2017 session. 

Budget hearings are scheduled for five other cities in the coming weeks, including Saturday, February 18 in Madras: