May 11, 2007

Contact: Rebekah Orr, 503-986-1904

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House Democrats Press Ahead on Plan to Reinvest in State Trooper Funding

Ways and Means Subcommittee will hear State Police Budget Monday, May 14

Salem—The joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety will work the Oregon State Police Budget and move it forward for legislative action starting Monday. The Subcommittee will consider a plan developed by House and Senate Democrats to significantly increase the number of state trooper patrol officers beginning July 1, 2007. The budget is scheduled for a work session on Monday, May 14 at 3:00 pm at the Oregon State Capitol.

In addition, the committee is prepared to review a range of proposals for funding of Oregon State Troopers in future biennia, including House Bill 3535, which would allocate one percent of the general fund to troopers beginning in the 09-11 biennium. House Bill 3535 has been scheduled for a hearing before the committee on May 29.

“After 16 years of disinvestment in state troopers by House Republican Leadership, House Democrats are prepared to make good on our promise to reinvest in our state troopers,” said Committee Chair State Representative Chip Shields (D-Portland).  “But we also need to find a long-term sustainable funding source for state police that can’t be dithered away on a partisan whim and won’t suffer under the next recession.”

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