Report Indicates Most Recent Stimulus Package Creating Jobs in Oregon

SALEM, OR -- A progress report said about 90 percent of the 547 projects funded by the state's $175 million stimulus package have started, creating or saving more than 3,000 jobs. The report showed improvement from an April update that had the stimulus program well behind its goal of 3,000 jobs. Since then, the report says, most projects have begun and about 80 percent of the jobs created or saved have gone to Oregonians. Oregon products, vendors and contractors have been used nearly 90% of the time.

Democrats said the report shows their stimulus plan works. Opponents have criticized definitions for saved and created jobs. The positions don't have to be sustained, so one lasting hours is counted the same as one lasting weeks.

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