News Release February 3, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Russ Walker (503) 709-8864

Governor Plays Political Games with Oregon 's Future
Holds Information Secret While Campaigning for Measure 30

( Salem , OR ) — Governor Ted Kulongoski is holding taxpayers hostage by withholding critical information about government waste from public view while campaigning for the state's largest tax increase, the $1.1 billion package known as Measure 30.

In a Bend Bulletin story reported today, the Governor had a draft report delivered to his office weeks ago that “identifies ways the state can run leaner to save taxpayer money.”

“This flies in the face of Oregonians and only proves the Governor is not interested in smart fiscal policies. He's apparently only interested in how to fleece Oregonians for more tax money,” stated Russ Walker, Chief petitioner for Measure 30 and the Director of Oregon Citizens for a Sound Economy.

More appalling is that spokeswoman Mary Ellen Glynn said that the Governor may get to the report this week, a report that could mean hundreds of millions in savings for Oregonians, because “there are literally other things going.” The Governor's primary focus ought to be our budget and economy, especially considering his hypocritical stance toward the need for higher taxes.

State Representative Tom Butler (R-Ontario), today confirmed that there is a commission looking at government efficiency and that the Governor has not announced their findings despite the impact it could have on government and taxpayer dollars.

“This only confirms the distrust Oregonians have toward government officials. Why should we expect voters to raise taxes when they can't get a straight answer as to how and where their money is being spent,” continued Walker .

The vote for Measure 30 ends today at 8:00 p.m. A ‘yes' vote will enact the $1.1 billion tax increased passed by the legislature last fall. A ‘no' vote will prevent the taxes from taking effect.

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