OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Nick Smith
November 20, 2012	503-986-1351

HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER COMMENTS ON

DECEMBER REVENUE FORECAST

SALEM— House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) had the following to say regarding the December 2012 economic and revenue forecast:

“Today’s forecast suggests that Oregon’s economy remains stagnant.  Tax revenues have stabilized in the short-term, but there’s not enough good news in this forecast for the 160,000 Oregonians who can’t find work.

“Without stronger private-sector job growth, the next legislature will have difficulty funding education and other services at the level that Democrats promised to voters in the recent election.  The suggested decline in long-term revenues indicates these problems won’t go away unless tough decisions are made now.

“House Republicans are ready to tackle issues that are affecting our economy and our state finances.  Republicans will insist on major PERS reforms to direct more money to Oregon classrooms while decreasing the strain on state and local governments.  We’ll work to continue the practice established under co-governance of setting aside reserves to protect Oregon against potential revenue declines in the future.  We’ll also focus on making Oregon more economically competitive, from promoting pro-growth tax reforms to leveraging our abundant natural resources.”

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