Statement by Governor Ted Kulongoski on Employment Numbers
(Salem) – “Today’s employment report delivers another month of sobering news that is reflective of national economic trends. This report is not just about numbers, it is about our family, friends and neighbors and the State of Oregon is doing everything we can to help Oregonians weather this difficult time.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allowed the state to increase unemployment benefits to help families make ends meet while seeking employment. It also provides an opportunity to expand benefits to part time workers and recently dislocated workers, who currently are not eligible for benefits. A set of bills to carry out this expansion are before the legislature and I urge the legislature to take action on these bills.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will also help by providing $38 million for job training, job creation and job placement. We are also receiving $17 million specifically for dislocated worker retraining and $4.9 million targeted to get people off unemployment and into a job.
“Transportation projects are already open for bid and will be under construction this summer. The state is on schedule to break ground on $175 million worth of deferred maintenance of public buildings, universities and community colleges. These dollars create and sustain jobs, give Oregon a needed economic boost and represent a long-term investment in our roads, bridges and educational institutions.
“I know that tougher days are still ahead. We need to make sure that we continue to get help to those who are struggling most and also use every tool available to us to get people the education, training and assistance they need to get back to work.”
Contacts:
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
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