We cannot settle for partial PERS solutions

Senate Republican Office & House Republican Office

Salem, OR – Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) and House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) issued the following statement in response to Governor Kitzhaber’s (D) Wednesday press conference:

“Republicans share the Governor’s desire for a bi-partisan solution to Oregon’s broken PERS system and a balanced state budget. Republicans have worked hard since day one of session to facilitate a bi-partisan process that can lead to a compromise proposal with Democrats. These conversations have been productive and continue to occur.”

“We appreciate the Governor putting a plan on the table.  There are parts we like.  Giving tax relief to low income Oregonians and small businesses are important steps in getting Oregon’s economy back on track.  However, while the Governor has offered additional PERS reform measures, they still do not solve the problem for schools, fire departments and local governments.  As advocated by the Oregon School Board Association, Stand for Children and many others, we must fix PERS to protect the services on which we all depend.  If we are going to invest the time and effort to tackle the PERS issue, we cannot settle for partial solutions.  We must solve the problem.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with Governor to reach an agreement which helps move Oregon forward.”