Reactions mixed to latest state revenue forecast

Reactions to the state’s latest economic and revenue forecast presented by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis to lawmakers on the House and Senate revenue committees on Wednesday, Feb. 7:

Gov. Tina Kotek

“Oregon’s economy continues to stabilize. Now, we need to keep our economy moving in the right direction. It’s harder than ever for Oregonians to afford to live here, which is why we must take bold action on affordable housing. I look forward to working with legislators this session to make progress for Oregonians.”

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego

“Oregon’s economy is stable — our labor market is up and productivity is better than the national rate. The Legislature can and will allocate needed resources toward our biggest shared priorities: improving housing affordability, tackling homelessness, and fixing the drug and addiction crisis. There are never enough resources for all of the state's needs, but we are committed to using tax dollars wisely to address issues Oregonians are facing every day."

House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis

“Republicans and Democrats are united in our commitment to increase housing supply and homelessness supports, helping families and individuals struggling with addiction, and investing in Oregon’s future. This stable forecast coupled with a decade of good budgeting gives us the certainty and resources we need to invest in the priorities Oregonians care about most.”

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton

“Our economy is headed towards a strong landing because of hardworking Oregonians, and now, the legislature needs to step up and work just as hard for them.

“Urgent challenges are holding Oregon back. We must take action in the short session to solve them. We need to build more homes and shelters to take on the homelessness and affordable housing crisis. We have to make significant changes to address the drug crisis, including investments in addiction prevention, drug treatment, public safety, and community clean up.

“We must be smart and focused with Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars to produce effective results and maintain stability in the long-term, given the uncertainty of future forecasts, but I’m confident we can deliver. When we turn these shared problems into shared solutions, we will grow an Oregon where every community is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp of Bend

“Flat population is a warning sign for the future of our state and is reflected by poor policy decisions that continue to hurt businesses and families. It is critically important that we leave behind status-quo policies and pursue pro-job policies that will make Oregon an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family. We can do that this session by putting all our efforts into boosting housing production, lowering the cost of living, and addressing drug addiction, homelessness, and crime.”

House Majority Leader Julie Fahey, D-Eugene

“Today’s economic forecast shows steady, consistent growth in our economy. Unemployment remains low and real incomes are up. Inflation has slowed, and we’re in a start up ‘boom’ because more Oregonians are starting new businesses.

“Our economy’s strength, along with years of careful budgeting, mean that the legislature will be able to make targeted investments to address the issues Oregonians care about most — homelessness, the cost of housing, and our addiction crisis. This session we’ll remove barriers to building more housing and continue our work to get people on a path out of homelessness. We’ll expand access t0 treatment so Oregonians struggling with addiction or mental health issues can get the help they need.

“Our investments this session will be focused on delivering real results on these issues. The decisions we make today will help us build a better future — healthier Oregonians; cleaner, safer communities; and shared prosperity for our state.”

House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich of Hood River

“Another year where Oregon’s population has stopped growing is another sign that our current leadership isn’t working. Record revenues followed by record inflation is to be expected. People leaving, or staying away, from Oregon isn’t. It’s no surprise; people want to feel safe in their communities, don’t want to constantly deal with the effects of an unrestrained drug trade, and even if they could ignore all of that, our housing market is unaffordable for most. Oregon needs to reverse course, and fast.”