By Oregonians for Food and Shelter,
Legislative Update
This week, state economists delivered the long-awaited quarterly revenue forecast, which sets the stage for the next biennial budget. The only required duty of legislators during the long session is to deliver a budget by the start of the new fiscal cycle: July 1, 2025. The news was mixed, as projected revenue decreased since last quarter, and the economists described noted uncertainty in the macro-level economy (whether we will experience a recession or not). The analysts and Democrats pointed to tariffs and the Trump administration as the culprits, while Republicans decried Oregon’s regulatory environment and general “unfriendly” climate for business. The reality is, there’s almost a billion extra dollars to dole out beyond maintaining the current service level for state government.
Policy work continues, with most committees wrapping up their substantive work next week, and leaving the rest of the work on House and Senate floors and in revenue, budget and a new transportation committee. OFS is still tracking a few bills, including new amendments to HB 2684 which relates to the obligations of school districts under the school IPM law. We’re also working closely with a variety of members and partners and the Governor’s team over ongoing concerns with SB 1154, the proposed changes to Oregon’s groundwater protection statutes. We’re hopeful the Governor’s team and key legislators will incorporate our feedback before moving the bill forward.
The next several weeks will slow down considerably as all eyes turn towards the budget, bills that require state funds, and the viability of a transportation package which will very likely require some sort of tax or revenue increase.
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