House Republican Leader Hanna on March Revenue Forecast

February 20, 2009

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER BRUCE HANNA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2009
CONTACT: Nick Smith, 503-986-1351

STATEMENT FROM HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER BRUCE HANNA ON MARCH REVENUE FORECAST

SALEM'oHouse Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) had the following to say regarding the March 2009 economic and revenue forecast:

`iThe state government'is declining tax revenue is a direct result of Oregon'is poor economy and high unemployment. The Legislature can'it balance the budget without successful businesses and employed Oregonians. Under Oregon'is current leadership, we have fewer of both.

`iAs the Legislature works to rebalance the budget, we must prioritize spending and protect the most critical programs and services. Once again, Republicans will strongly oppose cutting a single school day this year.

`iHouse Republicans supported the 2007-09 K-12 budget because we believe education is the highest priority in the state budget. The Legislature made a promise to fund schools at this level, and it'is our responsibility to utilize a portion of the Education Stability Fund to avoid school closures. We must prevent education cuts by matching Education Stability Fund dollars to the savings that are being utilized by school districts across the state.

`iThe Legislature must also recognize that we will receive another forecast in May, which will likely have an additional negative impact on the 2007-09 budget. Now is the time to make the tough decisions and put our kids, seniors and most vulnerable Oregonians first in closing out this budget.^i
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