Reactions of legislative leaders to the forecast

Reactions to the state's latest economic and revenue forecast, which was presented Wednesday, May 29, to House and Senate revenue committee members at the Capitol in Salem:

Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego:

"The economy continues to remain strong — bolstered by Oregon's advantageous business climate — and the Legislature has made prudent fiscal decisions that have put us in a good position as we begin to craft the next biennium's budget. Even so, the Legislature will face challenges to continue to fund and maintain the essential services and strategic investments made over the last two years."

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton:

“Oregonians’ hard work is paying off. This stable economic forecast is welcome news, especially given the urgent challenges we are facing. If we’re going to make the necessary investments to address the drug crisis, homelessness, affordable housing, education funding, and more, we need to keep growing our economy.

“Senate Democrats want to see Oregonians’ wages keep going up, more opportunities for working families to move to Oregon communities, and local job creators expanding operations across the state.”

Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles:

“Across the state, Oregon families are having to tighten their budgets and make difficult choices as rising costs due to high inflation outpace their earnings. It’s time the state does the same. The latest revenue forecast indicates that the state has continued to take more than enough of our hard-earned tax dollars. The Legislature — like many of our friends and neighbors —must learn to live within its means.”

“As we navigate through this period of high inflation, rising costs, and stagnant growth, our caucus will continue to advocate for budgetary restraint to ensure the long-term viability of essential services. The Oregon Legislature must act. Soaring energy prices are an example of an inflationary pressure we can actually do something about. Through fiscal accountability and responsible spending, Senate Republicans offer policy solutions that would provide tangible relief to working Oregonians and protect the financial well-being of all Oregon families.”

House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene:

“The revenue forecast issued today indicates that, statewide, Oregon’s economy is stable and growing. Our state will have the funding we need to continue paying for the critical ongoing programs that Oregonians rely on, thanks to prudent budgeting and strong leadership. It’s also encouraging to see steady productivity and solid labor market gains, as well as job growth in the semiconductor industry, both in the near- and long-term, due to jobs-boosting bills like the CHIPS Act.

“In recent sessions we’ve made key investments in housing and wrap-around services, child care and early learning, mental health care and addiction treatment, and job creation opportunities. Our work this interim leading up to the 2025 session must be focused on protecting programs that working families depend on — making sure they’re implemented well, demonstrate success, and are sustainable into the future.”

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard:

“Today’s revenue forecast shows continued strong, steady growth in Oregon’s economy. As a state, we’ve prioritized opportunities for students, working families, and small businesses, with policies that protect workers and foster entrepreneurship. Democrats in the Oregon Legislature will continue to make budget decisions that support strong schools, affordable housing, and safe, livable neighborhoods, because these are the investments that lead to shared prosperity.”

House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich of Hood River:

“The projected kicker provides welcomed tax relief for families struggling due to inflation and high prices. Republicans protect the kicker because we believe Oregonians pay too much in taxes, and people should keep more of what they earn.”