Oregon Watchdog: House Republican Leader on Governor's State of the State Address

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2009
CONTACT: Nick Smith, 503-986-1351

STATEMENT FROM HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER BRUCE HANNA ON GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

SALEM—House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) had the following to say
regarding the Governor’s State of the State address and the opening of the 2009 session:

“In his first address in 2003, Gov. Kulongoski declared the state must ‘live within its means’
during an economic recession. The Governor ignored his own pledge and endorsed the largest
tax increase in Oregon’s history. It’s no coincidence that Oregon’s economy is in the same
condition as when the Governor first took office.

“When Oregonians reversed the 2003 tax increase, they sent a message that it’s wrong to raise
taxes during a recession. Six years later, Democrats are preparing to make the same mistake.
Raising taxes, unsustainable spending, and running up the state’s debt is not a recipe for
economic growth. It is a recipe for economic disaster.

“We don’t need to grow government to stimulate the economy, and we don’t need to raise taxes
to create jobs. House Republicans have a plan to put more dollars back into the economy and
increase the purchasing power of lower-income Oregonians and working families. Our plan
recognizes the importance of helping businesses succeed. Our plan will create new family wage
jobs and lead Oregon to economic recovery.

“The Legislature has a choice. We can choose economic growth and prosperity, or we can
continue the failed policies and overspending that have produced a budget deficit and one of the
highest unemployment rates in the nation. The 2009 session will be a test of leadership, and
House Republicans will fight for taxpayers and promote solutions that build a better Oregon.”
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