| Press Release |
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| November 17, 2008 |
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Statement by Governor Ted Kulongoski on Employment Numbers
(Salem) – “Today’s jobs report is a call to action for state government and our local partners to do everything we can to invest in those things that put Oregonians back to work, such as education, transportation, health care and renewable energy.
“In this economy, families need time to ensure they can meet their basic needs while searching for employment, which is why – in addition to the 13 week extension in unemployment benefits that today’s job losses trigger – I am also calling on Congress to respond to the worsening economy by enacting immediately another federal stimulus package that includes a federally funded unemployment benefits extension of another 13 weeks.
“If Congress fails to pass legislation before the holiday recess, my first plan of action in the 2009 legislative session will be to work with the legislature to enact a state funded emergency extension of these critical benefits.
“Now more than ever, Oregonians need to know that government is on their side, and working to create jobs and economic opportunity.
“That is why my budget for 2009-11 will include more than $1 billion in capital construction and public works projects. We must be aggressive on this front because investing in public infrastructure is the strongest stimulus tool available to us during this current economic downturn, creating thousands of family-wage jobs immediately.
“Oregonians should know that our economy will rebound and when it does we must ensure Oregon is in a position to take advantage of this rebound and accelerate forward. That means now, helping families during this period of uncertainty and focusing on our strengths by investing in jobs, through transportation and infrastructure, health care, education and creating new opportunities in renewable energy.”
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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