OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Nick Smith
November 30, 2012	503-986-1351

HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER COMMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S 2013-15 BUDGET

SALEM—House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) had the following to say regarding the 2013-15 Governor’s Budget:

“The Governor's budget is only a blueprint for the next legislature to consider, but it recognizes the need for PERS reforms that House Republicans have been calling for.  We believe the Legislature should go further on PERS reform.  However, the proposed budget illustrates how reforms can decrease the cost of government while increasing funding for classrooms.

“Oregonians should understand that this budget is based on a number of assumptions that haven’t been fully vetted by the Legislature.  The budget assumes the state will have 9 percent more revenue at a time when Oregon's job growth has stagnated.  It assumes large savings in the corrections system, which may signal a plan to weaken voter-approved sentencing measures.  It also assumes tax and fee increases, more government debt, and potentially more money for public employee pay raises later in the biennium.

“There are some elements in the budget that Republicans can support, but we are disappointed it doesn't set aside enough reserves to protect services if revenues begin to decline again.  This is the same approach that, under the leadership of Rep. Dennis Richardson, prevented deep cuts in the current biennium.”

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