Governor Tina Kotek issues statement in response to first revenue forecast of 2023. “As inflation continues to slow, this revenue forecast shows that we can anticipate having more predictability and stability for the coming budget cycle. While this is encouraging news, the legislature still has some tough choices to make. We will have to keep focused and stay the course in order to make much-needed investments in Oregonians’ most urgent shared priorities: housing and homelessness, behavioral health, and education.”

Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue met jointly with the House Committee on Revenue to hear the March Revenue Forecast. Senator Mark Meek (D-Clackamas), Chair of Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, commented, “We received some good news today: inflation is slowing, employment is up, income is up, and the likelihood of a slow growth or soft landing situation is increasing. It’s clear that we still need to prepare for a potential economic speed bump in our future, and we must continue to be strong stewards of Oregon tax dollars, but I’m confident that our state can deliver on the services and programs Oregonians need most.”

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) responded, “Our state is in a stronger position than anticipated because Oregon workers and businesses are delivering. We must continue to responsibly manage Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars and prepare for the future, while maintaining critical support for Oregon’s working families and communities in every part of our state. During the 2023 Legislative Session, Oregon Senate Democrats are standing up for the “Oregon Works” agenda to ensure every Oregonian lives with dignity in safe, sustainable communities free from racism and discrimination with equal access to quality health care, world-class schools, and secure, good-paying jobs."

Majority Leader Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta) reiterated Governor Kotek’s aspirations, “Over the coming weeks and months, House Democrats will stay focused on using the opportunity of this legislative session to address the most pressing issues facing Oregonians, including housing, homelessness, community safety, and getting our kids’ education back on track. As always, our budget decisions will reflect these critical bipartisan priorities.”

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

The House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) issued a statement on behalf of the House Republican Caucus. “The quarterly revenue forecast revealed our state’s economy and revenue influx is stable. However, we must not forget the reality Oregonians are experiencing on a daily basis – inflation at a rate of over 8 percent, gas at nearly 4 dollars a gallon, and a dozen eggs which cost even more than that ($5.22).

“The State of Oregon experienced a historic infusion of federal funding, but Oregonians and the Legislature must face the reality that these funds have ended. For the remainder of the 2023 Legislative Session, we must pursue fiscal responsibility which includes leaving our Education Stability Fund (ESF) and rainy-day funds (RDF) alone. “We must return Oregon’s ‘kicker’ back into the hands of hardworking Oregonians. While my Pendleton friends would say “let er’ buck,” I say “let er’ kick.”


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-02-23 10:38:12

Last Update: 2023-02-25 11:15:49