SALEM – Governor Kulongoski and legislative leaders in the House and Senate today announced legislation to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for Oregon workers. The proposed legislation would provide six and a half weeks of benefits to an estimated 23,300 claimants who have exhausted their claim but not yet found a job.
“Oregon workers want good jobs so they can provide for their families and contribute to our economy, and we have an obligation to support them in this effort,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Extending unemployment benefits temporarily offers these workers some relief as we continue to focus on creating more opportunities for Oregonians to earn a living-wage for their families and for the state.”
Sen. Courtney will introduce SB 7 today as a priority bill.
“Oregon is coming out of its recession, but we still have the fifth highest unemployment rate in the nation. We must help people bridge the gap as our state continues to recover,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem).
For many workers, this legislation provides short-term relief for their families while they continue to look for jobs. While the economic forecast has improved in the state, the percentage of out-of-work Oregonians is still higher than in most states.
“This is an investment in workers and an investment in Oregon,” said Representative Jeff Merkley (D-Portland). “By helping to keep jobless families afloat, we help them buy time to find good jobs. We must renew our commitment in the legislature to improve Oregon’s economy and create the conditions businesses need to grow.”
“One of the first things families sacrifice in tough times is health care insurance. The extension of unemployment benefits under Senate Bill 7 will give some Oregon families the means to buy insurance coverage and buy a little peace of mind,” said Senator Kate Brown (D-Portland).
In his efforts to steer an economic recovery in Oregon, Governor Kulongoski has:
Streamlined Access to Unemployment Assistance making government more efficient
The governor has worked with the Employment Department to change the way Oregonians file for unemployment to a more efficient and better customer service model so Oregon workers can spend their time on their job search, not in a line. The first center opened in Eugene in July, 2004. Centers will open in Portland and Bend in 04/05. In the first center in Eugene:
24% of claims are now handled by telephone
27% of initial claims are now submitted over Internet
Saves the state UI Trust Fund about $3 million per biennium
The state delivers UI services with 90 fewer full-time employees
80% of customers surveyed prefer the new system
Increased Project-Ready Industrial Lands
In recruiting new companies to Oregon, we compete against states where a company can pick from numerous 25-acre or larger industrial sites and get the necessary permits very quickly. One of Governor Kulongoski’s first major actions when he took office was to issue Executive Order 03-02, directing state agencies to increase the availability of “project-ready” industrial land. Land is defined as project-ready if construction can begin in 180 days or sooner after being chosen for development Since the governor launched this effort, 20 “project-ready” sites have been certified in Oregon, totaling more than 1,710 acres of available industrial land (as of November 5, 2004).
Launched OregonProspector.com
Governor Kulongoski worked with Oregon’s private sector to launch OregonProspector.com, the state’s official public-private website for site consultants and businesses interested in relocating or expanding a business in Oregon. This web resource provides a comprehensive database of available sites and buildings by city, county, type of property and size using a powerful geographic information system. Also included are detailed community profiles and a contact list of statewide economic development professionals.
Recruited, Retained and Expanded Businesses
Governor Kulongoski has taken a very active and personal role in business recruitment, retention and expansion. Since July 2003, more than 10,000 new jobs have been created as a direct result of state economic development efforts. These economic successes have been made possible by the collaboration of his Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD), local governments and business leaders to provide timely information, assistance and incentives. They include:
Expansion of Country Coach in Junction City (450 new jobs)
Expansion of Keystone RV in Pendleton (100 new jobs)
Expansion of Sun Microsystems in Hillsboro (100 new jobs)
Recruitment of N.E.W. Corporation in Klamath Falls (600 new jobs)
Recruitment of Wachovia Corporation in Salem (500 new jobs)
Expansion of T-Mobile in Redmond (700 new jobs)
Expansion of Acumed in Hillsboro (140 new jobs)
Recruitment of Carribbean Cruise Lines in Springfield (1000 new jobs)
Despite the current state of the nation’s economy, Oregon has fared relatively well, adding a total of 44,000 jobs – a 2.9 percent increase – between June 2003 and August 2004. Nearly every industry sector experienced growth during this period as compared to the previous year.
