Oregon Gov. Kotek doubles down on priorities in new budget
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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek released her plans Monday for the state's two-year budget, and her priorities struck a familiar tone: reducing homelessness, bolstering the state's mental health programs, and improving education.
Why it matters: The governor's budget proposal is the starting point for negotiations with lawmakers, who will finalize the details of the budget during the upcoming legislative session, which runs from January to June.
What they're saying: At a press conference, Kotek said the state was fortunate to have a stable budget forecast, but she still told state agencies to limit their budgets to a 1% increase over current funding levels.
- "Developing my budget was an effort grounded in the reality of our state and our resources."
By the numbers: Kotek's proposal totals $39.3 billion in spending from the state's general and lottery funds.
- It includes $700 million in spending on things like maintaining homeless shelters and helping unsheltered people transition to permanent housing.
- Another $387 million would go toward mental health care for things like substance abuse treatment and expanding the number of behavioral health workers in the state.
- Roughly $600 million would go toward education — including early literacy programs and summer school.
Yes, but: Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham pushed back on the budget proposal, calling it a "bloated" plan that "doubles down on the same failed strategies that have left Oregonians struggling."
- Bonham said that government spending and bureaucracy were how Oregon got itself into the problems it faces and that more of the same would not provide solutions.
- "They say, 'the governor proposes, and the Legislature disposes,'" Bonham said in a written statement. "Thankfully, this political statement of a budget will face legislative scrutiny."
What we're watching: The budget proposal includes roughly $1.75 billion in new funding for transportation, but that number is well short of what the Oregon Department of Transportation needs to fill holes in its budget to avoid layoffs and continue maintaining the state's roads at adequate levels.
- Transportation funding is likely to be one of the most high-profile items addressed in the upcoming legislative session as the state seeks to fill a $1.8 billion budget gap.