Legislative Assembly will make same cuts as all agencies

November 19, 2008

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER
SPEAKER-NOMINEE DAVE HUNT (D-Clackamas County)

CONTACT: Geoff Sugerman 503-986-1904

STATEMENT OF SPEAKER-NOMINEE DAVE HUNT

`iOur nation has declined even deeper into a recession over the past several months and Oregon has not been spared. The declines in general fund and lottery revenues have put us into a substantial hole for this biennium, and will force Oregon to make some very difficult choices as we move into the 2009-2011 budget in January.

`iThe Legislative Assembly will immediately make the same reductions that the governor is asking all agencies to make, and we are strongly encouraging the Judicial Department to do the same. All of us need to share in these cuts, and while not required to do so, the Legislative Assembly will cut our budget first to protect other needed services.

`iIt would be easy for people to take pot shots at one party or another; to attempt to lay blame for Oregon'is economic problems. But that'is really counter-productive at this time. We need a rededicated effort to come together on behalf of ALL Oregonians.

`iBecause of our work last session in creating the Rainy Day Fund and strong reserves, we'ive managed to avoid the fate of many other states so far. And we are still better positioned than ever before to withstand this downturn, difficult as it will be.

`iAs President-elect Obama has said, these are tough times. We all will feel some pain and struggle over the coming months. But now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to work together and solve these problems.

`iAs Oregon'is next Speaker, I will continue to focus on the following areas:
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Creating new jobs through smart, targeted investments and construction projects that will put people back to work.
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Protecting our schools and higher education opportunities for Oregonians to ensure they have the education and training to perform jobs in the new and emerging technologies in Oregon.
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Ensuring that Oregon'is children, elderly and disabled populations are cared for and protected.

`iAs we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, it would be easy to feel despair and dismay at our economic problems. But together we will weather this storm. Our economy is more diverse than ever, and we will rebound.

`iIt'is not going to be easy. But working together, we can survive these difficult times and come through stronger than ever before.^i

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