Office of the Senate President 900 Court St., N.E., Room S-201 Salem OR  97301 www.leg.state.or.us/senate/senpres

News Release

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                                    March 22, 2011

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                             

Senate President Welcomes SEIU Report

(SALEM) Senate President Peter Courtney said Tuesday that he welcomes state employees’ input into the budget process.

“Today’s report from SEIU shows that public employees are seeking to be part of the solution,” said Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn) “I have no doubt that suggestions from front line workers can help us find smarter ways of doing business.”

Courtney noted that some of the ideas have already been incorporated into legislation. House Bill 2020 instructs agencies to look more closely at the ratios of managers to front line staff to make sure the direct delivery of services to Oregonians is protected.

It’s possible that other recommendations in the report will result in additional legislation in the Ways and Means process, the Senate President said.

“These recommendations should be considered as we work to bridge the largest budget gap in state history,” Courtney said. “Every dollar we save by becoming more efficient will help us protect the services Oregonians value most – like keeping our schools open, providing health care for our senior citizens and making our communities safe.”