WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the Senate passed a one-year extension of county payments for Oregon’s timber counties:
“This extension is badly needed in Oregon, and I am very pleased that the Senate has acted today. Timber counties are already cut to the bone and since the lapse of county payments, they have had to cut back drastically on critical services like basic law enforcement and safety. We all agree that it’s time for a long-term plan to provide reliable timber harvests while protecting our water and ecosystems, but right now it is essential that we get a lifeline to struggling communities in Oregon. I thank Senator Wyden for his leadership in making sure this extension passed today. Now it is time for the House to act without delay so that Oregon’s communities can get relief as soon as possible.”
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