|
|
| Jail Inmates Set Free After Oregon Voters Reject Tax Increase |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/30/2003 |
|
The first wave of inmates were released from a county jail on Wednesday as state agencies across Oregon began implementing spending cuts after voters rejected a temporary income tax hike. 'It's a party atmosphere at the jail today,' lamented Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto as he announced the release of 31 inmates -- among 114 scheduled to be freed during the day. Some of the freed inmates had been in jail pending trial. Others were serving time for crimes ranging from assault to drug manufacturing to sex abuse. 'This is not a problem just for Multnomah County, it's a problem for every sheriff in the entire state,' Giusto said of Oregon's budget crisis. 'We were just the first because we're the biggest.' The inmate release is one of the first cost-saving measures to follow the failure of Tuesday's tax hike proposal, put on the ballot to stave off $310 million in spending cuts. There will be many more cost-saving measures to come and they will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the state, including the elderly and the disabled. Legislative leaders met with Gov. Ted Kulongoski Wednesday morning in Salem to discuss possible ways to soften the blow. Even though lawmakers will be focusing on the upcoming budget during their current session, 'we will also take into account the cuts that affect the most vulnerable,' said House Speaker Karen Minnis, a Republican. Kulongoski, however, has said that he would let the cuts take effect. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Do you know someone who has been arrested in Waco or McLennan County? It’s important to find a good Waco lawyer to represent you in the matter involving your own liberty. Look for the best Waco lawyer that you can find. Whether you have been accused rightly or wrongly, it’s important to know your legal rights that concern whether you go to jail.