Job Creation and Economic Growth
Dear Friends,
As you may have heard, Legislative Days took place on May 24th-26th. Various interim committee meetings were held during these three days. For my part, I attended four committee meetings. This hectic schedule included the Joint Subcommittee E-Board for General Government, as well as the full Joint Committee E-Board. Along with these, I attended the Transportation Policy Committee and finally, Rules Committee. My main focus during these past three days was to review progress made to foster job creation and economic growth. Encouragingly, we have made positive steps in this regard.
As a member of the Transportation Policy Committee, I played a central role in the passage of HB 2001, the Jobs, and Transportation Act, the largest transportation package in the state’s history. During the recently held interim Transportation Policy Committee meeting, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) revealed that 2010 projects created or maintained by this act will create and/or help sustain approximately 12,500 full time jobs throughout Oregon’s economy during the year. This is good news for thousands of Oregonians who continue to struggle in a tough economy.
Oregon is one of only nine states where unemployment is lower than it was last year. Corporate and lottery revenue is up. And at the Joint Subcommittee on General Government meeting, a report from the Department of Revenue showed that Oregon’s tax amnesty program has brought in an additional $36.5 million for the state. Despite these positive steps, the recent Revenue Forecast showed that for the current 2009-2011 biennium, revenue is down approximately $577 million. In response to this news, the Governor announced 9% cuts across all state agencies, an action he regards as necessary to balance the current budget.
These cuts will have a noticeable impact on education, health care, public safety, and other core services. I’ve talked to leadership in the Oregon House about the possibility of committing the E-Board to drafting a budget plan after the Governor’s cuts are announced and subsequently, holding a one-day budgeting session to better preserve specific services and/or programs. In the meantime, we’re working to identify cuts to line-items outside the Governor’s purview, such as the budget for the State Legislature. Just like in the last regular session, we think it’s only fair our branch of government receive a cut comparable to those of other state agencies.
In other news, I’m working on a number of legislative concepts in preparation for the 2011 – 2013 session. These concepts generally fall into three groups: business and job growth incentives; education reform; and budgeting & revenue reform. The collective goal of these concepts is to establish the best conditions for general prosperity.
Although these are challenging times, I have been sustained by your community spirit and regular feedback. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent my hometown in Salem. And I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure progress and prosperity for every generation.
Kind regards,
Rep. David Edwards