Oregon House Democrats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2012

Jared Mason-Gere (503) 986-1907

 

Statement from House Democratic Leader Tina Kotek

On March Revenue Forecast

 

The following is a statement from House Democratic Leader Tina Kotek in response to the release of the March 2012 Revenue Forecast:

“This forecast shows that Oregon’s economy has stabilized, and we see a light at the end of the tunnel of this recession.

At the same time, many people struggle to find work, stay in their homes and provide a good education for their kids.

Though the economy is beginning to improve, the current budget still includes harmful cuts to public safety, community colleges, and services to seniors that will impact our communities. We hope to have continued conversations about how to protect those services and jobs throughout this session.

Economists encouraged us  today to have a contingency plan in place in the event of another downturn. We should make the Rainy Day Fund available for use in an emergency so we can protect against future cuts or layoffs in public schools and avoid a costly and disruptive special session.

This forecast highlights the need to help Oregon businesses grow and get people back to work.

The fragile economic recovery must not be derailed by cutting family wage jobs and laying off teachers.   We need to take all possible steps in the next three weeks to make sure the recovery extends to middle class Oregonians and hard working families statewide. We must protect schools, public safety, and seniors, invest in small business and address the housing crisis.”