Senate President Peter Courtney today called on Governor Ted Kulongoski to include in his 2009-2011 biennial budget $500 million in bonds – approved by voters in 2002 – to make schools and emergency services buildings safer in the event of an earthquake

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

June 22, 2010

Contact: Molly Woon , (503) 367-4327

Molly.woon@state.or.us

Statement on Governor’s Announcement for Budget Cuts from Senate President Courtney

(SALEM) – “On July 1^st of this year, the Governor’s cuts to the state budget will take effect. This is sobering news as these cuts reflect services that Oregon families depend on.

“The actions taken today by the Governor are the next step in the process of getting Oregon’s budget back in balance. The Legislature continues to look at our options to soften the blow from the most severe of these cuts.

“Each step of the way, we’ll be thinking of everyday Oregonians and the challenges they’re facing in their own lives. Although there’s simply not enough revenue to continue the level of services the state provides, our final plan will be a reflection of our efforts to protect those who need us most.

-30-