SB 338 will provide jobs for Oregonians across the state while investing in state infrastructure

SALEM -In an unprecedented and swift sign of action, the Oregon Senate Democrats voted to approve a bonding package that will provide thousands of jobs to workers across the state. Senate Bill 338 provides over $175 million for deferred maintenance and capital construction authority through bond sales scheduled to take place in the next two months. These projects will create immediate employment opportunities for Oregonians in all 36 counties.

“Economic security for Oregon’s families is a top priority for Senate Democrats this session,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “When preparing our legislative agenda this summer, we recognized that we were facing a recession. Last week’s unemployment numbers only proved the point. Today we made a strong statement about our determination to do everything in our power to create and protect family wage jobs for Oregonians.”

By investing in smaller infrastructure upgrades, the Oregon Jobs Stimulus Plan will provide work opportunities for local contractors, many of whom who are unable to be competitive bidders for large capitol construction projects. While it is not uncommon for the legislature to approve bond sales, they are generally slated for later in the session. SB 338 is remarkable in that it was passed by the Senate in the third week of session in response to the urgent need to put Oregonians back to work.

“Oregon families are suffering for lack of jobs and this stimulus package is a first step the state can take to get people back to work,” said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “This is more than an investment in our infrastructure; it’s an investment in Oregon families.”

SB 338 incorporates several budget notes that ask state agencies to use Oregon companies, employees, and products whenever feasible. Additionally, agencies are encouraged to contract with minorities, women, and emerging small businesses for the approved projects to the greatest extent possible.

“The legislature has incorporated a strong measure of accountability into this plan,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene). “It’s crucial to use our state bonding capacity prudently. The requirements tied to this package will give us oversight of how these dollars are used. By May of this year we will have the data from the Department of Administrative Services to review the effectiveness of this plan in creating jobs across Oregon.”

The projects funded today range from increasing energy efficiency to updating security in state facilities. Many of the projects slated for the February 10th bond sale will impact state universities, improving school facilities and increasing access for Oregon students.

“These are smart investments,” said Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), whose district includes Portland State University. “We’re creating jobs while also improving the learning environment of Oregon students. These projects will modernize our classrooms, increase the energy efficiency of our buildings, and expand access by updating facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

In addition to the February 10th bond sale, Senate Democrats approved over $50 million in lottery bonds for community college projects.

“This is a smart use of our bonding capacity because it’s an investment in the longevity of state buildings, especially for Oregon’s higher education system,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Rick Metsger (D-Welches), who also serves on the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission, which counsels the legislature on state’s capacity to take on additional debt. “Given the jobs that this investment will create, this is a win-win situation for our state.”

The entire list of deferred maintenance projects and other resources on SB 338 is available on the website of the Legislative Fiscal Office. The bill will head to the House floor for a vote next week.

(hat tip/ Shawn Jennings)