"Honestly, it is time for Washington, DC to get its act together. Unlike the federal government, state governments have to balance our budget. We have to meet the needs of the pandemic Our revenues are down as a result of the recession caused by the pandemic and yet we've got to meet the needs of vulnerable Orgon families and, frankly, we've got to invest and rebuild in our communities."

"Together, with our public safety system, we cut roughly 100 million. I had a very tough conversation with the hospitals today because the Oregon Health Plan is still short $400 million, so that we need to work collaboratively to preserve our health care infrastructure."

“I am deeply concerned for Oregonians’ public safety with Governor Brown’s decision to close three state prisons yesterday. There is a potential for an increase in crime, especially when there are no details on who is being released or relocated. “Before the Legislature does anything, Governor Brown must share the plan of where inmates will go, who will be released and how law enforcement, vendor and support staff jobs will be protected.

“Two of the prisons are in rural Oregon communities already under significant stress due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, and the years of neglect as the Portland area has been given priority. “Governor Brown’s decision to close multiple corrections facilities, along with the early release of inmates this year, and the 2019 bill that narrowed the use of the death penalty, are examples of the disturbing trend that she does not value Oregonians’ public safety and is determined to undermine the Oregon criminal justice system to earn political points.”