PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski says efforts to overhaul state government in Oregon can serve as a model for other states. The Democratic governor spoke to a national meeting of state budget officers in Portland Wednesday. He said without major changes to state government, Oregon faces chronic deficits. He says that’s because the current economic downturn appears to sticking around for the long haul.

Ted Kulongoski: “That means changing the way we think — our mindset — as well as changing the way government does business because the current structure of our state government — and I would suggest of yours — is simply not sustainable any more.”

Kulongoski’s so-called Reset Cabinet recommended major changes to the way the state provides services such as education and public safety. It also urged changes to the state’s tax structure. Some of the overhauls would require voter approval. (Chris Lehman)

Copyright 2010 Northwest News Network

Listen