From Oregon Senator Kim Thatcher’s newsletter:
Oregon’s national rankings in key areas reveal a troubling trend—one that underscores the urgency of my push for accountability, fiscal restraint, and smarter governance: The numbers don’t lie, and they tell a troubling story about priorities in Salem:
- Education– 48th
- Mental Health Services – 50th
- Business Climate – Bottom 10 (7th worst state for business according to OBI)
- Tax Burden – Among the top 10 highest in the nation
- Cost of Living – Significantly above the national average
- Median rent: $1,808 (vs. national median of $1,529)
- Median home price: $513,000 (vs. U.S. median of $436,000)
- Gas Prices – 4th highest in the nation at $4.12 per gallon
- Population Growth – Declining, with more residents leaving than moving in
- Regulatory Environment – Among the most restrictive for small businesses
- Food Costs – Higher than average for groceries and dining
- ODOT Performance – Struggling with inefficiency and accountability issues
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect the real experiences of Oregonians and the urgent need for policy change. Oregon’s national rankings in key areas paint a sobering picture of where we stand—and where we must improve:
The comfortably entrenched Democratic leadership continues to grow government instead of making Oregon livable for the regular people. We should be focusing on fixing these problems, not raising taxes to fund more bureaucracy.
