OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2011

Contact: Nick Smith 503-986-1351

REFORM BILL WOULD ELIMINATE

VACANT POSITIONS IN STATE GOVERNMENT

Rep. Whisnant Says Savings Could Be Directed to More Urgent Needs

SALEM—House Republicans today introduced a reform bill to eliminate government positions that are funded yet vacant for more than six months.  Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) says eliminating vacant positions can help direct more dollars to essential services such as classroom instruction and public safety.

“I believe state agencies request more positions than they really need to deliver services to Oregonians,” said Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver).  “If a funded position is held vacant for more than six months, we could determine the positions aren’t needed and redirect the money to more urgent needs.  This bill will give us more accurate budget information and allow us to reduce personnel costs.”

The bill, HB 3360, requires agencies to report on positions that have been vacant for six months.  If an agency can’t justify an unfilled position, it must be eliminated and the agency’s budget would be adjusted accordingly.

“I believe Oregon’s current budget system allows agencies to use unfilled vacancies as ‘slush funds’ that can be used for other purposes,” Rep. Whisnant said. “Because every tax dollar counts, the Legislature must review these unfilled positions as we develop the state budget. HB 3360 is an important tool for cutting wasteful spending.”

Making state government more transparent and accountable is part of the House Republicans’ 2011 Jobs and Reform Agenda.

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