JASON CONGER

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

HOUSE DISTRICT 54

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 15, 2013

Contact: Jordan Conger 541-633-9719

REP. CONGER: MARCH REVENUE FORECAST SHOWS OREGON NEEDS JOBS

SALEM— In light of today’s economic and revenue forecast, Rep. Jason Conger (R-Bend) said the Legislature must focus on promoting opportunity, encouraging private-sector job creation and passing major PERS reforms to fund education and other critical services.  State forecasters announced a slight increase in projected revenues for 2011-13 and 2013-15 biennia.

“State economists are forecasting slow economic growth and a slight increase in tax revenues,” said Rep. Conger, a member of the House Revenue Committee. “But this ‘recovery’ is not generating enough jobs for Oregon families. The Legislature should pass measures to encourage more hiring, and we must focus on growing small businesses and other employers here in Central Oregon and other areas in the state.”

Despite the increase in tax revenues, Rep. Conger said the state doesn’t have enough money to sustain services at current levels. He said he’ll work across the aisle to find ways to save money, deliver needed state services more efficiently and continue to pursue major PERS reforms to increase funding for Oregon classrooms and essential state programs.

“Oregon families continue to struggle and, without addressing PERS and other cost-drivers in state and local government, the state cannot afford to provide the services Oregonians need,” Rep. Conger said. “Throughout this session I will work on reforming our pension system to protect our schools and balance the budget.”

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