Statement by Governor Kulongoski on March Revenue Forecast
(Salem) – “Today’s report from the state economist delivered sobering news for Oregon. It confirmed what I predicted yesterday – that revenues would be down severely and that the decisions before the legislature would only become more difficult.
“This week the co-chairs of the Ways and Means Committee released a summary of budget reductions that will help us balance the current budget. The legislature must act on these reductions immediately so that we can turn our focus to the real crisis before us – the 2009-11 biennium.
“If an agreement is not reached on the proposed reductions for the 2007-09 budget by March 2, I will be left with the only legal option available to me – across the board cuts that will close schools weeks early and make irreversible cuts to public safety.
“The shortfalls for the 2009-11 biennium will require the legislature to make even more difficult decisions. The reductions required will challenge the legislature to prioritize the core services performed by government. The process for determining those reductions must be prudent, responsible, strategic and balanced.
“Oregon is a family. We must unite, putting partisan politics aside, and be smart, prudent and responsible in our planning to keep our family together and whole during these very trying times.
“Today is truly when the hard work begins.”
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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