Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski unveiled a $15.8 billion budget proposal Monday.

The Democratic governor says his two-year spending plan will extend health care coverage to more Oregonians and avoids cuts to schools.  But he says the economic downturn means the state will have to cut back in other areas.

Kulongoski says fewer people will have access to some state services such as help paying for day care and in-home care for seniors.

Ted Kulongoski:  “This, without doubt, is going to cause real hardship for many Oregonians and require us to lower our sights for the short-term while raising them for the long-term.”

The Governor wants to make up part of the budget shortfall by raising taxes on corporations and hospitals.  

The governor is also proposing a hike in the cigarette tax and the gas tax.  

The proposals now head to the Democratically controlled Legislature, which convenes in January.

Online:

Governor Kulongoski’s recommended budget