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Dear friends and neighbors,
It's difficult to believe, but here we are almost at the end of the 2009 Legislative Session. As you are most likely aware of by now, much of this session has revolved around how to best handle the worst economic crisis Oregon has faced in a generation. Just like the conversations happening around kitchen tables across the state, this crisis has meant a lot of soul-searching for legislators to determine what to prioritize given our limited resources. I am pleased to say that after months of public testimony we've created a plan that is fair and sensible -- we must tighten our belts while still maintaining services in vital areas that everyday people rely on, like schools, public safety, and services to the most vulnerable Oregonians.
This month I would like to talk with you more in-depth about the work we're doing in transportation, health care, education, and Oregon's future. I am confident that by targeting our resources in a strategic manner, we can improve quality of life for Oregonians while creating much needed jobs to jump-start our economy.
In this issue:
Oregon's Budget: Moving forward together There is no doubt that Oregon is in the midst of the most difficult economic climate in generations. The state economist's latest budget forecast for the 2009-2011 budget cycle projects a staggering $4.2 billion revenue shortfall that will affect many aspects of how our state functions. As the global economic crisis diminishes the amount of money Oregon's families have in their budget, it also restricts the amount of resources the Legislature has to provide support to Oregonians in need. About 94 percent of Oregon's general fund pays for education, public safety and human services, and unfortunately, the huge shortfall facing the state means deep cuts to these vital services.
 In May, the Co-chairs of Joint Ways and Means, our main budget-writing committee, released their recommended budget for 2009-2011. This budget is the culmination of months of work within the Legislature and frequent consultation with everyday Oregonians, including a series of 9 committee hearings in towns across the state last month. We heard from over 500 Oregonians from all walks of life that we can't simply cut our way out of this global economic crisis, nor can we raise enough revenue to fill the hole in our budget. Instead, we must take a balanced approach that involves cuts, targeted revenue increases and tapping our reserve funds to work our way out of this economic crisis.
While budget cuts will be painful for many, I strongly believe this is the best plan to get us through these tough times and on the road to recovery. Throughout this process, I have received feedback from many of you about the global economic recession and its effects on your families. As we move forward, I hope you will continue to let me know how your thoughts on our proposal and how we can best work together to build a strong future for Oregon.
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A vision for transportation, jobs and economic recovery
I have worked on the Governor's Transportation Vision Committee for over a year to bring about a balanced package for bridges, highways and pedestrian facilities. I am continually working towards increasing the number of "bike-ped" offerings, and am a strong advocate for alternative modes of transportation. That's why last week I was proud to join my Senate colleagues by voting to support a bipartisan transportation and job creation package that provides a much-needed boost to Oregon's businesses, commuters and economy.
House Bill 2001 is estimated to create 23,000 jobs in Oregon during its first five years of implementation through projects to repair and modernize our aging roads, highways, bridges, and public transportation systems. These jobs will get Oregonians back to work while also addressing issues that have long plagued our state.
Oregon's transportation system has been neglected for decades; causing gridlock on many of our most-traveled roads and immeasurable frustration for commuters. HB 2001 represents a significant step towards updating these outdated transportation networks and easing traffic. Importantly, these improvements will also help Oregon businesses get their goods to market, allowing them to better compete in the global marketplace.
It is also worth noting that HB 2001 is the most environmentally progressive transportation package in Oregon's history, containing several provisions that will help Oregon work toward statewide targets to reduce greenhouse gases. These include increased funding for transit and passenger rail improvements, bike and pedestrian projects, and provisions to make sure greenhouse gas emissions are considered during the transportation planning process in the Portland and Eugene metropolitan areas.
While this package provides for projects across all corners of the state, over $300 million is going to projects in the Portland Metro region, including improvements to Interstate 5 and 205 and much-needed maintenance on the Sellwood Bridge Interchange.
Moving a transportation package of this size with bipartisan support is a significant achievement. As we continue build a strong future for Oregon, I am encouraged by this kind of cooperation. With a strong coalition of business and citizen interests at the table, Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to do the right thing for Oregonians across the state. I am optimistic that these investments in our future will fuel job creation for the next decade and help Oregon move ahead into the 21st century.
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Deal reached to expand health care to all Oregon children
 I am proud to announce the much anticipated health care expansion plan. Both House and Senate have come to an agreement to cover an additional 60,000 uninsured adults and 80,000 uninsured children - for all practical purposes an expansion that will cover all Oregon children. This monumental legislation will bring more than $2 billion in federal funds into the state over the next four years and create an estimated 3,600 new health care jobs.
As the cost of purchasing health care grows astronomically, it is an encouraging sign that at both the national and state level legislators are looking at solutions that will have a real impact in the lives of everyday Oregonians. This plan is undoubtedly one of the biggest accomplishments of the 2009 session and I will do everything I can to keep you updated as it moves through the legislative process.
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Giving community college the resources they need As all of you know, I am passionate about education and have been a strong proponent of Oregon's community college system. As Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, I have been working very hard to ensure community colleges get the resources they need. Please be certain that I am looking into many options to enable students to get the education and training they need to be competitive in the new 21st century economy.
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How to contact me I wish to thank all of you for your emails, letters, and phone calls expressing your ideas about Oregon's future during this difficult session. I realize that with the global economic recession, many of you are experiencing significant changes to your lives. As the legislature wraps up our work for the session, we are keeping in mind these challenges with the hope of a brighter tomorrow for communities across Oregon.
All Oregonians share the costs of this recession and now is the time to work together to make it through this difficult period. I am confident Oregon will rise to conquer this challenge and thank you for all of your ideas about our future. Please continue letting me about your vision for a strong Oregon. You can reach me by phone at (503) 986-1724 or by e-mail at sen.rodmonroe@state.or.us.
Sincerely,
Senator Rod Monroe
Phone: (503) 986-1724
E-mail: sen.rodmonroe@state.or.us
Web: www.leg.state.or.us/monroe
www.oregonsenatedemocrats.com/members/monroe
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