Office of the Senate President

 

900 Court St., N.E., Room S-203

Salem OR  97301

www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres

 

 

News Release

 

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                      December 20, 2008

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                          

 

Forecast Reveals Enormous Challenge

In 2009-2011 Budget & It May Get Worse

 

Statement from Senate President Peter Courtney

 

“Today’s forecast provides us with the additional information we need to complete the process of bringing the 07-09 budget into balance so that we can turn our attention to the growing challenge facing us in the 2009-2011 budget.

 

“The 09-11 shortfall has more than doubled since December. Though today’s forecast represents the best look into the economic crystal ball given the current data, everyone needs to know that it likely doesn’t represent the bottom line for the 09-11 biennium. This thing is probably going to get worse and we are going to have be prepared for that.

 

“We have another forecast in May and forecasts coming in September and December and the Legislature is going to be back here in January or February to continue to work on this budget. Together, we will get through this.”