Rep. Yunker: Oregon democrats wreck the economy, blames D.C.

By Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker
May 14, 2025

Today’s revenue forecast from the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis confirms what working Oregonians already feel: the state’s economy is slipping, and Democrat policies are to blame.

The numbers speak for themselves:

– Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in March, up from 4.1% last year.
– Population growth has slowed.
– The 2025–27 biennium forecast shows $334.2 million less in revenue, a $414 million drop in the beginning balance, and $755.7 million fewer available resources.

“Democrats have taxed, regulated, and micromanaged this state into decline—and now they want to point the finger at Washington,” said Representative Dwayne Yunker (R-Grants Pass). “Give me a break. The real problem is right here in Salem.”

State economists gave the rosiest outlook possible—conveniently justifying bigger spending and a smaller kicker refund—but even they couldn’t ignore the drop in employment, market, and business income.

“Oregon’s job creators are heading for the exits,” said the Representative Yunker. “And who can blame them? The high tax burden, endless red tape, and uncertainty from Salem have made Oregon one of the least business-friendly states in the nation.”

While Senate President Rob Wagner blames tariffs and federal politics, business leaders see it differently. The Oregon Business & Industry Competitiveness Agenda points to state-driven problems as the reason employers are moving out.

“This isn’t about D.C.,” Representative Yunker said. “It’s about decisions made in this building. And Democrats made the wrong ones.”

Representative Yunker is calling for urgent course correction: cut wasteful spending, stop the tax hikes, and make Oregon competitive again.

“Oregonians don’t need scapegoats,” Representative Yunker concluded. “They need accountability—and change.”