Statement by Governor Kulongoski on County Payments
(Salem)– “It’s a sad day when the Federal government places a higher value on Wall Street than on Main Street America, as it has done today by opposing the extension of federal forest payments.
“Oregon’s Congressional delegation have been true champions for rural Oregon, never giving up and pursuing every avenue available to include an extension to this critical program.
“This program is the lifeline for many of our communities. We have a plan to transition away from our dependence on these payments, but Congress and the president need to give us time and the resources to make this transition a smooth one. The Senate bill would have done that, but the outcome in the House puts us back to square one.
“The president is willing to bail out Wall Street with $700 billion to save our national economy. All we’re asking for is $3 billion to save our local economies.
“I urge the president and Congress to reconsider an extension of this program in the waning days of this session as part of an economic stimulus package to help states like Oregon weather this current economic storm.”
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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