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                                                                                                                  January 14, 2013

CONTACT: Michael Gay

(503) 986-1950

(503) 781-8559

 

 

Jobs for all Oregon should remain focus of 2013 session

 

Salem, OR -The 2013 Legislature should make private sector job growth the top session priority, according to Senate Republicans. A slow economic recovery has left too many families without sufficient job opportunities and state resources unequal to the need.

 

"Building a strong economic foundation is the key to the long term prosperity of all Oregon," said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). "Creating an environment where businesses can succeed, diversifying our economic portfolio and investing in education from kindergarten to college will create the kind of state where families in both rural and urban Oregon can thrive."

 

Senate Republicans released the highlights of their "One Oregon: Prosperity for All" agenda on Monday. The agenda seeks to provide an inclusive and expansive vision for the entire state, finding common ground that can unify diverse economic sectors, geographic areas, income levels and interest groups. It is centered on the long-term creation of private sector jobs for Oregon families through investment in Oregon's education system, tax relief for lower and middle income families and policies that give businesses the certainty and competitive advantages they need to succeed in a global economy.

 

"The slow recovery is leaving too many families behind," said Senator Alan Olsen (R-Canby).  "The legislature must take action to get these families back on the job and ensure that our economy is more tough and resilient in the future."

 

Senate Republicans are looking forward to working collaboratively with their Democrat colleagues to pursue good policy and common goals for Oregon.

 

"Last session we saw the kind of quality dialogue and reasonable legislation that can come from truly bi-partisan leadership," said Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro). "We hope this session can follow last session's model, and fully engage members of both parties in the decision making process."

 

Members of the 77th Legislative Assembly were sworn in to office on Monday, and will start organizing over the next few days in preparation for the February 4th start date.


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