The Oregon Legislature wraps up the 2011 session by coming to terms on the state budget, among other issues. Lawmakers approved funding for state prisons and bonding authority for construction projects and signed off on a number of education bills; including a measure placing all public education under a single "Investment Board," whose members are appointed by the Governor. Lawmakers also cleared changes to the State's Congressional District boundaries. The session, which lasted 153 days, was the shortest in 15 years.

Governor Kitzhaber praised lawmakers for their work in this session. He says Oregon set an example for other states in how to act when facing huge financial challenges: "Oregon and many states have huge budget deficits. Oregon's per capita debt is larger than California’s and larger than Washington’s.” So even with a per-person debt larger than our neighboring states, Kitzhaber says lawmakers managed thru the budget crisis and worked together to maintain a sense of community and respect, even while disagreeing on issues.