Sen. Starr: Revenue Forecast Confirms No Justification for Higher Taxes

By In the news
In: Uncategorized
Wednesday November 19, 2025


Revenue Forecast Confirms No Justification for Higher Taxes
Oregon Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr,

SALEM, Ore. – Today’s quarterly revenue forecast revealed that Oregon’s ending balance is now projected at –$63.1 million, an improvement of $309.5 million from the previous forecast.

“The latest numbers make one thing clear: there is absolutely no reason for the majority party to tax workers’ overtime or tips, or to enact more policies that would drive more Oregon businesses to other states as they had planned. A $63.1 million deficit is a drop in the bucket for a state with a $140 billion budget,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). “People are already stretched thin, and they need relief, not new burdens.”

The economic picture for everyday Oregonians is worsening. The forecast shows wages declining, and key industries like manufacturing, trades, and construction continue to bleed jobs while government and government-subsidized sectors expand.

Recent reporting from The Oregonian shows just how serious the job market has become: employers have averaged more than 600 layoffs per month in 2025, comparable to the job losses seen during the Great Recession when Oregon’s unemployment rate exceeded 11%.

Additionally, market research from Public Opinion Strategies conducted in September found that two-thirds of Oregon voters believe the state’s economy is on the wrong track. Among employed Oregonians surveyed:

  • A majority are pessimistic about the job market.
  • Two-thirds expect stagnant or declining wages.
  • Two-thirds say it would be difficult to find a similar job if they left their current one.
  • Over half say they would consider leaving Oregon for a new job.
  • Over half say they would likely explore relocating to another state to find work.

“This is why Oregonians have shown up in huge numbers throughout 2025, pleading with this legislature and this governor not to pass a $4.3 billion tax hike,” Starr added. “People are struggling. Our economy will recover not through higher taxes and more regulation, but by investing in policies that help our state grow and innovate.”

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