Sen. Bonham: Oregon’s drowning in tax $$, starving for accountability

By State Senator Daniel Bonham

The May revenue forecast is out, and once again, it confirms what Oregonians already know: despite the state swimming in your tax dollars, our economy is a mess—thanks to years of failed Democrat policies.

So, what is the revenue forecast? It’s a quarterly update from state economists on how much tax money Oregon expects to collect. This one mattered more than most—it’s the final forecast before lawmakers write the state’s next two-year budget.

Here’s the headline: Oregon is now expecting $755 million less in revenue for the 2025–27 budget cycle than projected just three months ago.

But don’t be fooled—the state is still on track to collect record-high revenue. That’s a 12% increase compared to the last budget cycle. Oregon is drowning in your tax dollars. It’s everyday Oregonians who are struggling.

So what did Democrats do in response? They pointed fingers at Donald Trump and trade tariffs—seriously. Their press releases read like a D.C. blame game. But the truth is, this mess started long before 2025. It’s the result of years of one-party control and anti-growth policies that have crippled opportunity across the state.

Take this comment from Democrat Rep. Jules Walters, who said Oregon is “better prepared than most” thanks to decades of Democrat leadership.

If this is what she calls “prepared,” here’s what she’s apparently proud of:

– More than half of Oregonians can’t afford their cost of living

– Oregon ranks 48th in the nation for business friendliness

– We have the 2nd tightest housing market in the country

– The state is in the midst of a manufacturing recession

This isn’t preparedness—it’s economic failure.

Oregon families are being crushed by high costs, vanishing job opportunities, and a housing crisis the majority party has only made worse. While Democrat politicians try to spin the narrative and blame D.C., the reality is that their leadership has left Oregonians “prepared” for one thing—to leave.

As Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham put it in our press release:

“Oregon’s anti-business climate, high taxes, and housing restrictions—especially over the last six years with the hidden sales tax and Portland’s layered income-based taxes—are strangling opportunity. It’s time to stop blaming D.C. and start fixing what Democrats broke here at home. Oregon’s problem isn’t a lack of money. It’s a lack of leadership.”