SALEM (AP) - Gov. Ted Kulongoski has released his proposed state budget for the next two years that he says will protect education from cuts despite the recession but require deep cuts in some social services spending.

Among other things, the governor's office said in a statement on the $15.8 billion general fund budget, the proposal provides $200,000 "to enable the Department of Environmental Quality to phase out the practice of field burning in the Willamette Valley, addressing a serious threat to public health in Western Oregon."

The governor said earlier that he wants to end field burning in 2011.

The budget blueprint spans the period from July 2009 through June 2011.

Kulongoski called for reducing the amount of money for programs to help seniors and the disabled as well as cuts in state child care subsidies.

At the same time, the Democratic governor said his two-year budget will avoid cuts in the K-12 budget and for higher education on grounds that the state will need a well-educated work force for when economic recovery does come to the state.

His budget also includes funding for a transportation package intended to create thousands of jobs immediately.

He called for an increase in the gas tax as well as for additional or higher fees for registering vehicles.

Action on these items depends on what the legislature does. The 2009 session starts in January.

The budget calls for $1.9 million to carry out plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including a cap and trade system.

The governor wants to spend $5 million for energy efficiency projects at state buildings, including the purchase of 25 electric vehicles and two electric charging stations for the state vehicle fleet.