OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2009

Contact: Nick Smith 503-986-1351

OREGONIANS DESERVE BETTER THAN A ‘JOBLESS RECOVERY’

Legislature Should Reduce Spending Ahead of January Tax Vote

SALEM—House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg) had the following to say regarding the September 2009 state economic and revenue forecast:

“Today’s forecast revealed that Oregon ranks 47^th in the nation in job growth over the past year.  The state economist suggested it could be 2013 before we reach pre-recession job levels.  Our economy and budget outlook will continue to suffer as long as one in four Oregonians can’t find full-time jobs.

“The greatest risks to our economy and state budget are the $733 million in income and corporate tax increases passed this year.  These permanent, job-killing tax increases will hurt small businesses and make Oregon even less competitive.   

“Economists outside of state government have estimated that these tax increases will cost tens of thousands of jobs. Whether it’s for lack of data or lack of will, it’s clear that state economists haven’t fully accounted for the impact of these tax increases on our economic and budget outlook.

“While a state economist described a ‘sizable uptick’ in government employment, we are continuing to lose thousands of private-sector jobs.  Before the likely January referendum, the Legislature should work to gradually reduce spending and produce a new budget that promotes economic growth.”

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