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Governor calls special session to address DHS budget, schools
On Thursday, April 6, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed a proclamation, calling for a special session of the legislature and setting April 20 as the date for commencement of the special session.
The Governor’s statement follows:
“The legislature should limit its attention to two critical issues facing the state of Oregon:
- The need to rebalance the budget of the
Department of Human Services, and address revenue shortfalls caused by the loss
of anticipated federal dollars and higher-than-anticipated caseloads; and
- The need to provide additional funding support
to Oregon’s public schools.
- The need to rebalance the budget of the
Department of Human Services, and address revenue shortfalls caused by the loss
of anticipated federal dollars and higher-than-anticipated caseloads; and
“I want to emphasize that I am committed to an efficient and productive special session. Discussions with legislative leadership and individual members have gone well. I believe if we work together we can accomplish our task in one or two days.”
Governor Kulongoski has had discussions with the leadership of the Legislature surrounding Jessica’s Law, a bill introduced last session that would establish additional criminal penalties to protect children against sexual predators. If the Legislative Leadership agrees to add this bill to the Special Session agenda, the Governor would support the measure and sign it into law.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to Oregon’s legislative leaders for their commitment to serving the people of Oregon, and their willingness to put aside partisan concerns to deal effectively with these issues. I’m confident that the legislature will respond to this call in a way that makes the voters and taxpayers proud."
