Tag: Gov. Tina Kotek

Salem, Ore. – Oregon lawmakers opened the February session Monday. They now have about a month to balance the budget. Unlike the federal government, the state is not allowed to operate at a deficit, according to the Oregon Constitution.

Governor Tina Kotek blames a sudden $900 million budget gap on the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. “Things are obviously more complicated this time with what has happened with HR1 from Congress. It has affected the revenue that can be used for essential services here in the state,” says Kotek, “We are also being forced to spend money because of HR1 for programs that have been very important for Oregonians, in terms of food assistance and Medicaid. So, we have less money, we’re being asked to spend more on things directed by the federal government, and the budget is out of balance.”

State Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) says the Joint Ways and Means Committee is tasked with making cuts. “For the last several months – and credit to the co-chairs [of the Committee], since I was getting text messages and phone calls the week of Thanksgiving – they have really tried to anticipate what we’re seeing. And we’ll know a lot more when we get the revenue forecast.” That forecast is due Wednesday.

Wagner says it’s not a simple task, “Trying to figure out how we’re working with state agencies, and getting good ideas on where we need to be selective in order to balance the budget for the remainder of the biennium.”

State agencies submitted their own budget reduction lists in November. The Joint Ways and Means Committee will now take feedback from Oregonians. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 3) from 5 – 8 p.m. at the State Capitol, in Hearing Room 40.  The public can attend in-person or tune in virtually through the Oregon Legislative Information System. You must register in advance to speak, through the committee’s webpage on OLIS. Written testimony will be accepted for up to 48 hours following the hearing.