MAY REVENUE FORECAST: GOVERNMENT SHOULD LIVE WITHIN ITS MEANS,

HELP BUSINESSES SUCCEED AND CREATE JOBS

Attached: Updated 2009-11 Back to Basics Budget Proposal

SALEM—House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) and Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) had the following to say regarding the May 2009 state economic and revenue forecast:

“Today’s revenue forecast underscores the depth of Oregon’s economic recession. So far the Democratic leaderships’ only response to this crisis is higher taxes, more wasteful spending, and more debt for our children and grandchildren to repay.

“Government can’t reverse the state’s recession; it can only create an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can succeed and create jobs. Just when we need successful businesses and taxpayers the most, Democrats are committed to driving them away to other states where their capital, innovation and ability to create jobs would be more welcome.

“House and Senate Republicans have put a budget plan on the table that funds a full school year, protects public safety and human services, and doesn’t require Oregon families and businesses to send even more of their hard earned dollars to Salem.  Unlike the Democrats’ budget outline, our Back to Basics plan doesn’t rely on fuzzy math. We don’t artificially inflate budget numbers to justify tax increases and more unsustainable spending.

“Republicans believe the budget discussion should begin at current spending levels and with the revenue we actually have.  We must force agencies to justify increased spending requests, utilize agency cash balances where appropriate, and freeze salaries across state government. The Back to Basics plan reflects these principles, and leaves a surplus to fund higher caseloads, public safety needs and other contingencies that may arise.

 “With today’s revenue forecast, Republicans firmly believe that the Legislature can balance the budget and fund critical government services without raising taxes.  Until Democrats realize that we can’t balance the budget without more employed Oregonians and successful businesses, the state government will face funding shortfalls for years to come.”

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Attached: Updated 2009-11 Back to Basics Budget Proposal