Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has delivered her State of the State address.

The Governor's speech highlighted what she would like to spend more taxpayer money on, including workforce development and career training, affordable housing, and child care.

"I stand here today at a pivotal moment for Oregon. Since I took office seven years ago, the world has fundamentally changed,” said Governor Brown. “Oregon has undoubtedly faced some of the most challenging times in our state’s history.

"However, even with all we’ve lost, we can see a path forward," Brown continued. "We have an opportunity before us. Our economy is strong, and we must keep it humming. Most importantly, we have to make sure that every Oregonian feels it. In order to make transformational change in our state, we need to lift up the communities that have been left behind."

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

She went on, "In my last year as Governor, I view every day, every moment, as one more opportunity to focus on the big and bold work we still have to do for Oregon’s working families. I am dedicated to building a strong workforce for Oregon. I will bolster that workforce by providing access to child care so that parents can go to work knowing their kids are cared for. And I will marshal my colleagues to once again make a significant investment in affordable housing. These three investments work together to ensure every working family can thrive."

Governor Brown's speech highlighted key spending that she wants to make happen, including:

• Future Ready Oregon: a $200 million investment in job training with a focus on key Oregon industries in need of skilled workers
• A $400 million investment in affordable housing
• A $100 million investment in child care
• Spending for climate-related disasters

The Republicans are saying that the speech ignored the public safety crisis sweeping across Oregon communities.

“Crime is at record levels here in Oregon, but you wouldn’t know that by listening to the Governor’s speech,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “People don’t feel safe and Republicans share their frustration and anger. The lack of urgency Democrats have brought to this crisis is shocking. The Governor’s workforce package won’t do anything for our economy if people don’t feel safe to work or do business here. Oregonians are desperate for real leadership and solutions on public safety.”

“Safer communities should be a priority this session,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “Any proposals from the Governor that misses this crucial element does not fully serve Oregonians. Instead, we’ve seen the Governor commute the sentences of killers, Democrats have proposed legislation to retry potentially thousands of cases of violent criminals, law enforcement budgets are lower than ever, and current law makes it harder for police to stop riots. Oregonians deserve safer neighborhoods. House Republicans demand better.”


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-02-03 13:11:46

Last Update: 2022-02-03 16:42:08