Sen. Bonham: Revenue forecast falling as Dems push new taxes

Revenue Forecast Shows Oregon Falling Behind While Democrats Push New Taxes
By Oregon State Senator and Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham,

SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) issued the following statement in response to today’s revenue forecast:

“Today’s forecast made one thing clear: Oregon is falling behind the rest of the nation, and Democrats have no plan to turn it around.

We have 25,000 fewer jobs than a year ago. Our GDP is trailing the national average. Labor market momentum has, in the economists’ own words, ‘sharply reduced.’ Construction and manufacturing are way down, while the only jobs increasing are in government or government-subsidized programs. This isn’t a new trend. Businesses are closing their doors, and families are leaving Oregon in search of a better life somewhere else.

At the same time, our state budget has more than doubled over the last decade, yet Governor Tina Kotek is demanding $5.8 billion in new taxes just to keep the lights on for basic operations and maintenance of our roads. That doesn’t add up.

Instead of focusing on Oregon’s problems, today’s forecast spent more time on tariffs and Washington politics. But the truth is, our challenges are not D.C.-grown – they’re Oregon-grown. We are losing ground because of decisions made right here at home. Failed housing policy, hostile business regulations, struggling schools, and rising crime have all driven families and employers away. Tina Kotek and the Democrat supermajority have done this, one policy decision at a time.

The Democrats in power will try to shift blame – pointing fingers at Donald Trump and his “One Big Beautiful Bill” – but Oregonians shouldn’t be fooled. Working families deserve the chance to keep more of their hard-earned money, whether it’s from tips, overtime, or interest on a car payment. That relief makes a real difference for a single mom waiting tables or a mechanic staying late in the shop.

But instead of letting families get ahead, Democrats want to take even more. Over Labor Day weekend – when they hope Oregonians aren’t paying attention – they’re pushing through massive transportation tax hikes: higher gas taxes, higher DMV fees, and even higher payroll taxes. You read that right – higher payroll taxes on Labor Day weekend. Next, I predict they’ll come after those federal tax incentives and try to disconnect Oregon from them, so families won’t even be able to benefit from the tax breaks they’ve earned. After all, Democrats believe they need your money more than you do.

More taxes are not the answer. Growing the economy is the answer. Attracting more businesses and more taxpayers is the answer. Making Oregon open for business again is the answer.

Oregonians are voting with their feet. If we don’t change course, a year from now we’ll have fewer people left to shoulder a heavier tax burden. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair. Senate Republicans will continue to fight for a better path forward – one that gives working Oregonians opportunities to succeed instead of asking them to carry the weight of a broken system.”

The post Sen. Bonham: Revenue forecast falling as Dems push new taxes first appeared on Oregon Catalyst.