Rep. Elmer: On the latest forecast

House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer Responds to February Revenue Forecast
By Oregon State Representative and House GOP leader Lucetta Elmer,

SALEM, Ore. — House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville) released the following statement in response to the February 2026 revenue forecast:

“Oregonians have heard a great deal of alarm about the state budget in recent months. Today’s revenue forecast shows the reality is more complex — and that some of the warnings were overstated.

When earlier forecasts raised concerns, state Democrats blamed the federal administration instead of taking a hard look at their own spending decisions, tax structure, and regulatory climate. Now that the outlook has improved, those same leaders continue to point fingers without fully acknowledging what has actually helped stabilize revenues.

What Oregonians consistently tell us is this: The cost of living is too high, doing business here is too difficult, and state government is not delivering results that match what people are paying. Voters want an economy that works — one that supports job creation, affordability, and long-term stability.

Despite an agenda touting affordability, many of those proposals this session do little to lower costs or encourage growth. Oregon continues to lag behind much of the country economically, and families feel that strain every day.

This forecast should be a moment to reset. If Democrats are serious about prioritizing affordability, growing the economy, and restoring trust in voters, they should stop looking for new ways to take from Oregonians — and do the hard work required to achieve those goals. This involves refocusing priorities, reducing wasteful spending, and cutting taxes and regulations that harm businesses and families.”