Statement by Governor Ted Kulongoski on 2009 Legislative Session
Governor calls session one of great challenge and great progress
"Tonight closes the 2009 Legislative Session, completing what I believe will be remembered as one of the most challenging, and rewarding, sessions in the state's history.
"When the legislature convened in January, I proposed an ambitious agenda that was immediately challenged by climbing unemployment, declining revenues and great economic uncertainty. It would have been easy to focus only on the budget and let the economic constraints define the actions of the 2009 legislature. However, the legislature did not let a declining economy act as an obstacle to adopting good public policy that will ultimately position Oregon for greater success when our economy recovers - which it will.
"From transportation to health care and climate change to tax fairness, great strides were made this session to make Oregon a better place for all of us to live. By the end of this biennium, all Oregon children will have access to affordable health care and thousands of Oregonians will have jobs rebuilding and modernizing our transportation system in every corner of the state.
"We have taken the next steps in combating global warming, which will result in a more sustainable built environment, cleaner air, cleaner fuel in our transportation system, and new economic opportunities. And after decades of debate, the corporate minimum income tax of $10 will finally increase to be more on par with what the average citizen pays.
"All of these policies will have lasting effects on generations to come, transforming our health care delivery system, our transportation system and changing how we live our daily lives to reduce greenhouse emissions and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable environment for Oregon's future.
"But these policies tell just one part of the story. As I said on the opening day of session, we were elected to make difficult choices - and as predicted, the last six months tested our patience, our partnership, and most of all our courage, as it is has been testing the courage of so many of our fellow citizens.
"And while the legislature's work is done for now, this remains a very difficult time for Oregon and I believe that the next six months will again test our patience, our partnership and our courage."