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:          Molly Woon                          August 11, 2008

                        (503) 986-1074   

Molly.woon@state.or.us                                                          

Statement on July Employment Figures from Senate President Peter Courtney

(SALEM) – “Today’s numbers confirm our fears – the state has lost 3,600 jobs. We know that times have been getting tougher with rising prices at the gas station and grocery store and with continuing uncertainty in our housing market. These jobs losses serve only to add to our uncertainty about the future.”

“The economic situation of our state is unclear. This is the fourth month of job losses in the last five months. Many Oregonians have been feeling the pinch this summer and only time will tell how much longer we’ll be confronting this economic downturn. Our confidence could bounce back as soon as fall, but we may find ourselves into 2009 before we’re in the clear. ”

“What is certain is that we’re going to keep a close eye on what’s happening with our economic indicators. We will be observing and preparing for times ahead with fiscal discipline and moderation. Only time will tell if this is an aberration or sign of a rockier road ahead.”

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