The Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means will tour the state for six public hearings to hear directly from Oregonians regarding the 2025-2027 budget. Oregonians are encouraged to sign up to testify about which projects and programs the state should prioritize this budget cycle.

Legislators are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every two years. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget framework stresses fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and maintains flexibility during an uncertain economic time. Approximately 32% of the current state budget is supported by federal funds. The framework also contemplates scenarios where actions by the federal administration impact Oregon's economy and budget.

Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means says, "This framework is a starting point. Oregon's economy remains stable, but with limited resources and federal uncertainty legislators will have to make tough choices about which projects and programs to fund, and ensure those choices are aligned with Oregon values."

The framework continues current service levels for existing programs, including fully funding the governor's request for $11.4 billion into the State School Fund for K-12 education, assuming the adoption of oversight and accountability measures.

It includes $150 million for responding to wildfires or other natural disasters, as well as $100 million to the Emergency Fund to maintain a nimble budget that can respond to unforeseeable events.

The framework additionally includes $271.9 million in good governance, targeted reductions, largely through eliminating long-term vacant positions.

The net fiscal position of the state is $987.2 million before any one-time investments into key areas legislators are reviewing this session, including affordable housing, homelessness prevention, early literacy, behavioral health care, child care, and community safety.

The information used in the creation of this framework is from the March revenue forecast and economic outlook; the final budget will be based on the May forecast. It is set amid uncertain economic headwinds from the federal government, including trade wars and the potential of a looming recession.

"Oregon's budget is designed to leverage federal funds to help more Oregonians, not plug federal funding holes," said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "We are facing significant uncertainty from the federal administration and must demonstrate fiscal responsibility during these times."

The federal uncertainty comes from the conflict Oregon’s sanctuary state policies has with the security measures the federal government is taking to rid the country of criminals. The state is also going against the policy to stop mutilation of children. Because Governor Kotek refuses to cooperate with security measures and protection of children, the state is facing a reduction in federal funding.

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

This year will be the first time since at least 2005 a community budget hearing has occurred on tribal lands when the committee visits Warm Springs on April 4.

The dates and locations of the community budget hearings are:

Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater
26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Liberty Theatre Astoria
1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Old Warm Springs Elementary School
1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761
Members of the public can register to testify here.

La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized
Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here.

Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2025-03-23 13:39:49

Last Update: 2025-03-23 15:41:05