House Democrats unveil recovery plan
By RYAN KOST
Associated Press
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:11 AM PST
SALEM — Oregon House Democrats outlined Tuesday their plan to help the state navigate the recession. The key, they said, would be to create jobs through public works — and fast.
The Democrats hope to put more people to work by moving up the start dates of state-funded construction projects that have already been approved and by greenlighting other public works programs.
‘‘I think there should be and will be broad support for these sorts of infrastructure projects,’’ said Rep. Dave Hunt, who will lead the House as speaker during the upcoming session. Hunt said that Oregonians could see immediate results if the Legislature moves quickly to get already-approved projects fast-tracked. He said lawmakers could help by working with the treasurer’s office on bonding issues and removing excessive permitting barriers if the projects have already been vetted.
Besides these initial projects, the outline calls for increased bonding to fund additional construction work. The Democrats believe that for every $100 million invested in construction projects, 1,650 jobs will result both directly and indirectly. As has Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the caucus is advocating an extensive transportation package. Theirs, so far, does not have a price tag.
A final public works program would focus on affordable housing construction. Democrats say that new affordable housing would tackle two problems at once by generating jobs and helping those ‘‘left behind by the housing market crash and credit crunch.’’ This piece could potentially be funded by a $15 increase on real estate document fees, according to the plan. Though many of the jobs created through these projects would be in the construction field, public works tend to have a ripple effect, economists say. Other businesses experience jumps during construction booms, and dollars begin to flow more freely as people find work. The plan also briefly references developing jobs in overgrown forests and supporting Oregon’s ‘‘green’’ energy sector. The Democrats also committed to working with trade unions, schools and community colleges to provide job training. The outline doesn’t include specific dollar amounts, job creation numbers or concrete timelines. Still, House Majority Leader Mary Nolan said she could envision investing ‘‘a couple billion dollars’’ to right Oregon’s economy.
‘‘We are investing in services,’’ she said. ‘‘When you invest, it costs money.’’
Nolan said that the $2 billion figure would not come from the state exclusively, she imagines it would be a mix of federal dollars, increased fees and taxes, lottery dollars and bond sales.
