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.