Oregon Public Broadcasting

The latest revenue forecast is expected tomorrow, and all indications are it'll be short by about a half a billion dollars.

On OPB's Think Out Loud today, legislative leaders and others discussed what's at stake and how the latest shortfall might be handled.

Governor Ted Kulongoski has said he will use his authority to handle this shortfall much as he did the last one — rather than call the legislature into session. 

That disturbs Bruce Hannah, the Oregon House Republican leader. 

But Tim Nesbitt, Chief of Staff for Governor Ted Kulongoski, says his boss is taking a careful, measured approach.

By all accounts, Oregon is in the same boat as most other states in dealing with waves of red ink.

Brian Sigritz directs state fiscal studies for the National Association of State Budget Officers. He says federal stimulus dollars have helped states tremendously.

Brian Sigritz, Tim Nesbitt and Bruce Hannah appeared with others on today's Think Out Loud, discussing how the state might handle the projected revenue shortfall, to be detailed tomorrow. To hear the full program, click here.