Oregon Watchdog: Hanna statement on new unemployment numbers

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2008
CONTACT: Nick Smith, 503-986-1351

STATEMENT BY HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER BRUCE HANNA ON NEW UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS

SALEM—The Oregon Employment Department today announced the state lost over 14,000 jobs in October, increasing the state’s unemployment rate to 7.3 percent. House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) had the following to say regarding the latest jobless figures.

“Oregonians deserve better leadership. For the most of 2008, Oregonians were told that our state’s economy was on the right track and would recover quickly. However, each month brings worse news. Oregon is now almost a full percentage point above the national unemployment rate.

“Oregon lost 14,000 jobs in October alone. Manufacturing lost 5,000 jobs. Professional and business serves lost 3,800 jobs. Leisure and hospitality lost 6,800 jobs. Financial activities lost 2,600 jobs. Meanwhile, state government added 4,200 jobs, while providing pay raises, cost of living adjustments and free benefits to state workers. This sends the wrong message to Oregonians.

“Over the past two years, the Legislature turned a $2.9 billion budget surplus into a $522 million budget deficit. It imposed new regulations and higher taxes and fees that have contributed to a terrible environment for businesses to create new jobs.

“The Governor and the Legislature cannot tax, spend and borrow its way out of a recession. While Oregon needs strategic infrastructure improvements, reckless pork barrel spending alone will not fix Oregon’s economic crisis.

“In January, the Legislature must move quickly to give tax relief to lower-income workers and all working families- two simple tax reform measures that would create over 20,000 new jobs. We must also pass reforms to keep capital within the state and promote private-sector investment in businesses and workers.

“The state can’t reverse its horrible economic performance by simply expanding government and further increasing debt. It can only be done through true fiscal responsibility and putting Oregon businesses in a better position to create jobs.”
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