(Salem, OR)  --  Republicans in the Oregon Legislature are insisting that Democrats make cuts in spending before tax increases will be considered.  The state needs to find a way to cover a one-point-eight-billion-dollar revenue shortfall.  Republican lawmakers say they won't agree to making any changes to taxes unless Democrats agree to cut costs, especially in the state's pension system.  Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli tells the "Portland Tribune" he'd be open to considering an increase in Oregon's gas tax to increase funding for transportation projects.