Stimulus Bill Passes Senate

The Democrat-controlled Oregon Senate this week passed a $176 million, bond-financed economic stimulus bill.

It includes $50 million for community colleges, as well as funding for transportation and deferred maintenance projects across the state. Republicans, the minority in both houses of the legislature, called the stimulus plan a boondoggle, while Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski encouraged the House to pass it quickly.

“This job creation package is not about party or geography,” said Rep. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland. “It is about putting Oregonians back to work.”

The state’s unemployment rate surged to 9% in December from 8% in November.

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