Last fall voters statewide were embroiled in a fight over measures 66 and 67- tax increases that would hit families who make more than $250,000 per year and corporations. Supporters of Measure 66 said it would raise $472 million per year- money that would go to save schools and services to seniors and the disabled. But, eight months after going into effect, state officials say they will be lucky to collect half that amount this year. That’s due not only to the economy but to a drop in capital gains as well. Some Oregon business leaders say it’s just another example of why the measures are bad for the state, but House Speaker Dave Hunt said without the measures Oregon’s financial outlook would be even worse.

The Oregon Department of Education released results from the 2009-2010 standardized tests- and Oregon students saw an overall increase in their test scores. Oregon students are tested in math, reading, writing and science. Math scores overall were up by two points, and reading and science scores were up by one point. And, there were some individual classes that had some particuarly bright spots according to Susanne Smith in the state Superintendants office who pointed out that reading scores among tenth graders was up five points: ***/Scores/Susanne Smith/…We really think that student motivation is the number one factor. This class knows that they’re going to need prove reading proficiency in order to get a diploma…/*** But there were also some low points- writing scores overall were down two points.

With Oregon kids either already back to school or preparing to go back to school in the coming days, Oregon health officials are warning parents it’s time to reset your kids sleep clock. Dr. Michael LaFor says it can take kids a week or two to get used to getting up early and going to bed early- and during that time they may have a hard time concentrating in class. He suggests getting them used to their sleep schedule before school starts. Younger kids may need more sleep according to Dr. LaFor. And, for those students who have cell phones and computers, Dr. LaFor suggests making sure those devices are turned off at night: ***/Sleep/Dr. Michael LaFor/…There’s a lot of teenagers and preteens that like to keep them on all night so they can text and keep abreast of what’s going on. Those things are absolute sleep killers- they will disrupt your sleep about as much as anything can…/*** Dr. LaFor says it’s also important to keep kids on the same sleep schedule everyday- including on weekends.

Oregon motorists have a new option to choose from when it comes to putting license plates on their car or truck. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles yesterday unveiled the latest license plates that honor police officers, fire fighters and corrections officers according to Mary Nunnuncamp who helped organize the drive to get the new plates approved: ***/New license plates/Mary Nunnencamp/…We did this plate to honor the more than 35,000 men and women who go to work nearly every day in Oregon to keep you and I safe…/*** The plate features a picture of a police officer, a fire fighter and an American flag in the shape of Oregon. The plates will cost an extra $32 per year, and the proceeds will go to help family members of fallen officers to go the national memorial. Those plates are available now at DMV offices across the state.

It looks to be another busy holiday weekend according to the latest numbers from Marie Dodds with Oregon Triple A. Despite the continually struggling economy, Dodds says travel over the Labor Day holiday is expected to be up about 10% over last years numbers- mainly because people say they’re just ready for a break. And, those of us living in the Pacific Northwest are more likely to drive to their destinations: ***/Holiday travel/Marie Dodds/…4.68 million of us- or 88%- of all travelers in the Pacific region are going to our destination by car…/*** And we’ll also spend more in the Pacific Northwest thanks to higher gas prices. According to Triple A, the average American will spend just over $700 on their holiday vacation, but residents of the Pacific Northwest will spend an average of $1,016