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Legislators Could Return To Salem In August To Tackle Oregon's Budget

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown speaks at a press conference to address the coronavirus pandemic in Portland, Ore., Friday, March 20, 2020.

Gov. Kate Brown said Saturday that she wants to wait on the U.S. Congress for any additional aid that could help Oregon before convening a second special session of the Legislature.

Brown said she hopes to reconvene the Legislature no later than early August to discuss balancing the state’s two-year budget, which is expected to take in nearly $2.7 billion less than forecast due to the pandemic.  

“I think we’ll have a very clear sense [in mid-July] whether there is going to be additional funding for the state, the local jurisdictions and the tribes,” Brown said Saturday at a press conference. “If we don’t see action by the end of July, then I will be expecting to call the Legislature in very quickly to look at budget reductions and plan for the next biennium.”  

She added: “It’s my hope and plea that our congressional delegation will continue to play a leadership role and get resources to Oregon as quickly as possible and as much as possible.”  

Brown did not have an estimate of how much money could come to Oregon from a federal aid package.

Copyright 2020 Oregon Public Broadcasting

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Meerah Powell is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for OPB. She previously worked as a news reporter and podcast producer for Eugene Weekly in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon. Along with writing and audio work, Meerah also has experience with photography and videography. She graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.