Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon lawmakers are looking up and down for ways to mitigate across-the-board budget cuts expected soon. House Speaker Dave Hunt now says it's "highly likely" the legislature will meet in special session at some point.

Right now Kulongoski is reviewing a list of nine percent cuts proposed by state agencies to deal with a half-billion dollar budget shortfall.

Those cuts would likely go into effect July 1st if the governor signs off on them.

Kulongoski can only make across-the-board cuts. And he's already asked lawmakers to add money back to the Department of Corrections in order to keep three prisons open.

Democratic House Speaker Dave Hunt says a special session could also help restore money to fund state troopers, day care subsidies and K-12 education.

Dave Hunt: "In none of those cases will we be adding back to fill the entire hole. But I think there is a way to strategically add back portions in each of those that will ameliorate the worst of the cuts."

Hunt says the extent to which lawmakers can do that hinges largely on whether Congress approves more bailout money for states.

Lawmakers rejected a call for an immediate special session. They said they wanted more time to mull their options.

Online:

Lists of proposed agency cuts