Salem, Oregon - Governor Ted Kulongoski today praised Oregon's Congressional delegation - and Washington Congressman Brian Baird - for their partnership in successfully securing $2.5 million dollars to help the region's small manufacturers boost productivity, sales, investment in modernization and employment.
"Today's good news will help keep our region's workforce competitive, keep family wage jobs here, and help drive a higher standard of living for Oregon workers," said the Governor. "Oregon has the fifth fastest growing economy in the nation, and this investment will help keep our economy on the right track."
On January 26 th, the Governor urged the federal government to support a funding level of $106 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program in the President's FY 2007 budget request. In a letter to the White House, the Governor called the MEP program "one of the most successful federal/state/private partnerships in government."
Economic revitalization - and the creation of good, living wage jobs - has been the Governor's highest priority in office. Over the past three and half years, more than 100,000 new jobs have been created in Oregon. From June 2005 to June 2006, Oregon gained 56,800 jobs and the state's employment grew by 3.4 percent. In comparison, the nation's job count rose by 1.4 percent. Oregon's private sector showed all of the growth in the state, gaining 57,300 jobs or 4.2 percent versus 1.5 percent nationwide. Oregon's employment has grown more than twice as fast as the nation's when considering public and private sectors combined, and almost three times as fast when considering only the private sector.
Yesterday, the Governor announced $100 million dollars in ConnectOregon grants for ports, rails and transit improvements. These programs around the state will keep Oregon's transportation system competitive and help more quickly bring goods to market.
"Manufacturing contributes significantly to the growth of our economy, and this successful program will help boost the productivity of many of our region's businesses. It's going to help keep good living wage jobs in our region."
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