Klamath Basin Water whitsett funding for state police 011507

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Senator Doug Whitsett
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court Street NE, S-302
Salem, Oregon 97301
January 15, 2007

Whitsett Drafts Bill With Dedicated Funding for State Police, No New Taxes

Public Safety within Our Means

Salem, OR – Senator Doug Whitsett introduced a plan Monday creating dedicated funding for the
Oregon State Police without raising taxes or fees on Oregon families and small businesses. The bill
sets aside 1% of General Fund revenue for the sole purpose of funding the Oregon State Police Patrol
Division.

“Safety is, and should be, the first priority of Oregon’s citizens and their representatives,” said
Whitsett. “Dedicating money from our existing revenue ensures that Oregon highways, families and
neighborhoods are safe, and we can do it without raising taxes or fees.”

The State Police Division has been reduced by over half of its patrol officers over the last 25 years,
while Oregon’s population has increased by 38%. This bill provides a budget of $140 million for the
Oregon State Police Patrol Division, an amount almost double what they received in their last budget.
This provides the long overdue stable revenue source necessary to restore the patrol division to a force
adequate to serve Oregon’s needs.

“Oregon’s checkbook has never been as full as it is today,” said Whitsett. “Like every Oregon family,
government can certainly live within its means and adequately provide for essential services.
Oregonians are looking for this type of responsibility and accountability from their government.”