Governor Briefs Oregon Delegation on Human Impacts of Federal Policy Changes and Budget Cuts

Governor Kulongoski Photo: AP

(Washington, D.C.) - While attending the National Governor`s Association conference in the nation`s capitol, Tuesday, Governor Ted Kulongoski met with members of the Oregon Congressional Delegation to outline the impacts that recent federal policy changes and proposed budget cuts will have on Oregon`s ability to maintain essential services to some of Oregon`s neediest citizens.

`Both the Deficit Reduction Act and the President`s proposed budget significantly impact our ability to fund three of the most critical functions of state government: education, public safety and humans services," the Governor said. `Because we are facing a budget shortfall this biennium in our human services budget, I want to specifically highlight several actions for you to consider taking on behalf of Oregon`s most vulnerable citizens."

Senators Wyden and Smith attended the briefing, along with Representatives Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley and David Wu, where the Governor hand-delivered a letter detailing his concerns about how the recently signed Deficit Reduction Act and the President`s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2007 will hurt Oregon.

In addition to education and public safety, the Governor focused on four human service policy areas: Medicaid Targeted Case Management; Medicaid Provider Taxes; Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; and the Food Stamp Program. The Governor also shared the letter he sent to the President Monday and provided a spreadsheet of corresponding actions-steps ranging from intervention in the federal rule-making process to direct congressional action to address those concerns.

`I bring these programs to your attention because they will have the greatest impact on Oregon`s foster children, lowest-income families, individuals with developmental disabilities and low-income seniors," the Governor continued. `I look forward to supporting your efforts on behalf of Oregon`s most vulnerable and I thank you for your commitment to continued partnership as we move our great state forward in the coming years."