Unions fight cuts in Oregon Capitol rally
Monday, February 20, 2012
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Hundreds of public employees and liberal activists are asking the Oregon Legislature not to cut funding for schools, prisons and workers who provide in-home care to seniors.
Unions, environmental groups and Occupy organizations brought busloads of people from around the state for a rally at the Capitol on Monday, when many schools and government agencies were closed for Presidents Day.
Demonstrators had a variety of interests, but several said they want to protect funding for government services.
Lawmakers are looking steep budget cuts to make up for a $340 million shortfall in projected tax revenue during the two-year budget period. Gov. John Kitzhaber and some interest groups have asked the Legislature to spend down reserves to reduce funding cuts.
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