SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Power brokers in Salem are nearing the final stretch in their work on a state budget for the next two years.
Gov. John Kitzhaber is meeting Monday with legislative leaders at the governor’s mansion to talk about remaining issues. And on Thursday state economists will release the quarterly revenue forecast giving budget writers a clearer picture of how much money they’ll have to spend. The revenue forecast is a final puzzle piece lawmakers need to finish up their work by a June 30 deadline.
The May forecast is not expected to significantly change the state’s budget outlook, but any shifts in projected tax collections are being closely watched. At stake is funding for public safety and for social safety net programs for seniors, the poor and people with disabilities.
