Speak Out on Proposed State Budget Cuts

In anticipation of a May 15 revenue forecast that will likely show a $4 billion (with a “b”) shortfall for the next biennium, the Legislature has released a list showing the consequences of a 30% cut in the budgets of most state agencies and the Oregon University System.

This would include elimination of more than 854 positions (including faculty, classified and non-classified) in OUS and a 4.6% reduction in salaries, more than 500 positions at OYA, 145 in Justice, 123 in Forestry, 202 in Administrative Services, 174 at Blue Mountain Recovery Center & Eastern Oregon Training Center, 102 in the DHS Seniors and People with Disability division and 224 in the DHS Children and Families division. Read complete list of proposed cuts.

These cuts are a worst-case scenario. The Legislature has several tools in addition to cuts to close the budget gap. Legislators will be able to tap federal stimulus dollars and state reserve funds to make up nearly half the projected deficit. That would still leave at least $2 billion to be made up in cuts or revenue increases.

Legislators are holding hearings in eight communities around Oregon between April 20 and May 1. See links below for complete details on time and location for each hearing. Please plan to attend one of these eight hearings to underscore for both the community and legislators the need to protect and adequately fund the services we provide.

Ashland: Thursday, April 30
Bend: Wednesday, April 29
Eugene: Friday, May 1
Lincoln City: Monday, April 20
Ontario: Saturday, April 25
Pendleton: Saturday, April 25
Portland: Tuesday, April 21
Salem: Thursday, April 23

For more information contact Yvonne Recchia, recchiay@opeuseiu.org, 1.800.527.9374, x479