SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Work on trimming Oregon’s struggling state budget is taking a big step forward.
Leaders of the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee are scheduled to release their proposed budget framework on Tuesday.
The Legislature has to close a $3.5 billion gap between revenue and the projected cost of continuing current services. Lawmakers haven’t released their specific plans, but they say the proposal will include deep cuts to education as well as services for seniors and people with disabilities.
Lawmakers say the cuts are painful but necessary because the struggling economy has severely cut back on state tax collections.
Gov. John Kitzhaber released his proposed budget with cuts to education, health care and other programs nearly two months ago.
