September 4, 2013

CONTACT: Michael Gay

(503) 986-1950
(503) 781-8559

Statement from Senate Republican Leader

Salem, OR - Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) issued the following statement in response to the Governor's special session press release:

"Republicans have relentlessly pushed for greater PERS reforms that add back teachers and reduce class sizes in schools throughout Oregon. We are ready to pass stand-alone PERS reforms in a special session on September 30th because we believe it is the right thing to do. The arguments for greater reforms are clear and compelling on their own, without complicating the issue.

"If Democrats insist on turning PERS into a complex political negotiation, we are willing to talk about their proposals, as long as their revenue increases include tax cuts and certainty for small businesses. We have continued to communicate with the Governor our interest in finding a way to make further PERS reforms and our willingness to work with Democrats to make that a reality.

"We strongly believe that it is possible to take another step towards reforming a broken PERS system in the next few weeks."

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