Oregon Watchdog: Dem's Respond to Republican Agenda for 2009

Oregon Legislature
House Majority Office
House Majority Leader Dave Hunt

PRESS RELEASE: July 18, 2008
CONTACT: Geoff Sugerman, 503-986-1904

Statement on House Republican Agenda for 2009

“This year Republican candidates across the nation are attempting to run as Democrats and away from the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Oregon House Republicans are now joining in that election year conversion.

“However, they are still silent on key issues affecting Oregon families, like making sure every Oregon child can afford college, providing access to affordable health care, saving for Oregon’s future and bringing new family-wage jobs to our state.

“We are encouraged that they have seen the error of their ways and will drop their opposition to many issues Oregonians support. We are encouraged that they may now finally join us in fixing problems they created over 14 years of Republican leadership. In particular, we welcome their newfound commitment to some key policies and investments:

• After years of cutting higher education budgets, their pledge to support Oregon’s community
colleges, universities, and workforce development programs signals an important turn-around.
• After opposing many of the historic ethics reform changes we accomplished in 2007, including SB
10, we are pleased that we will have partners next session in continuing reforms.
• We are hopeful that their interest for developing a comprehensive energy policy signals a move
away from their rigid opposition to sensible environmental policies.
• In 2007 we were frustrated when Republicans fought against every effort to approve a meaningful
reinvestment in transportation. They now appear willing to move forward toward fixing Oregon’s
transportation infrastructure.
• And most importantly: After years of cutting Oregon State Police, they now agree that OSP should
be expanded into rural areas – areas that were without patrol coverage during the years of
Republican legislative control.

“Even as we welcome these election year conversions, we repeat our concern that House Republicans are still failing to address critical issues for Oregonians. As House Democrats
continue to work on our agenda for 2009, you can be sure we will continue focusing on issues including higher education, tax fairness, containing health care costs and ensuring Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund has the reserves we need to weather the national economic downturn.”
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