8/23/05-Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed a $14 million boost in the two-year Oregon State Police budget. However, it trims 20 troopers from roads in the state.
That will leave 309 troopers patrolling the state’s roads – the fewest in nearly 40 years.
New money for the department is earmarked for murder investigations and the state’s methamphetamine problem.
State lawmakers have told agency officials they can appeal to the Legislature’s Emergency Board for additional dollars.

8/2/05-The Legislature has approved a $14 million boost in the two-year state police budget, but will trim 20 troopers from roads in the state.
That will leave 309 troopers patrolling the state’s roads – the fewest in nearly 40 years.
The budget, which now heads to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for his signature, earmarks money for murder investigations and the state’s methamphetamine problem.
Lawmakers have told agency officials they can appeal to the Legislature’s Emergency Board for additional dollars for troopers.
For bill status, call (503) 986-1180.

7/15/05-The House has approved a bill – HB5167 – that would the two-year state police budget by $14 million. Plans include trimming the number of troopers assigned to roads by 20 to 309.
The budget, which now heads to the Senate, calls for the Oregon Transportation Department to spend the new money on murder investigations and the state’s methamphetamine problem.
For bill status, call (503) 986-1180.
A similar Senate bill – SB5618 – recently passed the Senate. It has moved to the House for further consideration.