Oregon Head Start Association

As many of you may know the State is requiring several furlough days as a cost reduction measure. Not all state agencies will follow this schedule - ODOT has a variety of ways they will meet the challenge for different programs.

Portland State University, the Center for Career development will be closed December 21-28, 2009.

Most state agencies, boards and commissions will be closed:

• Friday, October 16, 2009
• Friday, November 27, 2009
• Friday, March 19, 2010
• Friday, April 16, 2010
• Friday, June 18, 2010
• Friday, August 20, 2010
• Friday, September 17, 2010
• Friday, March 18, 2011
• Friday, May 20, 2011

Ron,

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.