OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2011

Contact: Nick Smith 503-986-1351

HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET

SALEM—House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) today had the following to say regarding the release of the 2011-13 Governor’s Recommended Budget:

“Oregon can no longer afford the business-as-usual budgeting process that has perpetuated years of unsustainable spending.  It’s time to develop a budget based on existing revenues- not on what’s needed to maintain the status quo. 

“The Legislature will have $1.2 billion more to spend in 2011-13 than it did in the previous biennium. This will make for an increase, not a reduction, in General Fund spending.  We’re pleased the Governor recognizes this reality, and is not handing us a budget loaded with tax increases and unrealistic spending proposals.

“Though the Governor has provided a sound budget blueprint, we will have some respectful disagreements.  For example, before weakening voter-approved sentencing guidelines, we should first look at reducing the annual cost per inmate that is among the highest in the nation. 

“While House Republicans are pleasantly surprised to see a Democratic Governor propose a reduction in capital gains taxes, we believe more can be done to encourage new private-sector investments in Oregon businesses and workers.  We’ll continue to work with the Governor and legislative Democrats on proposals that help create jobs.

“House Republicans are committed to passing the 2011-13 K-12 budget midway through the session to give school districts more certainty as they develop their own budgets for the next fiscal year.  The Governor’s budget offers a workable guideline for accomplishing this, but we’ll continue to insist on an early K-12 budget as well as education reforms that maximize funding for classroom instruction.”

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