Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers are headed for a possible showdown with Governor Ted Kulongoski. The House gave final approval Monday to an education budget that relies on the state's reserve funds.

The Governor has threatened to veto the spending plan. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

It's as though Oregon lawmakers are channeling Dirty Harry.

Movie clip: “Go ahead. Make my day.”

This showdown doesn't involve any guns, but it is a high-stakes standoff with the legislature possibly just days from adjournment.

Governor Kulongoski thinks lawmakers are using too much of the state's reserves to fund schools, and he's promised a veto over the issue. But legislative budget-writers defend the move.

Even with the extra shot of cash, Democratic Representative David Edwards conceded that schools would feel the pinch.

David Edwards: “Is it the best budget that can be imagined? Of course not. But I believe it is the best that can be achieved given our circumstances.”

The spending plan passed both the House and the Senate with enough votes to override a veto.

Kulongoski has until next Monday to decide whether to follow through on his threat.