SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) criticized
Governor Tina Kotek’s proposed budget for lacking a bold vision to address Oregon’s
worsening housing crisis, highlighting her administration’s failure to meet its own housing
production goals.
“When Governor Kotek took office, she set an ambitious goal of building 36,000 housing
units per year to address Oregon’s severe housing shortage. Yet, the latest report shows
that only 18,000 units were built in 2023—less than half of her target and even fewer than
the 20,000 units built in 2022,” said Bonham. “This failure reflects the shortcomings of
the policies she continues to champion.”
Bonham emphasized that Oregonians deserve the American Dream—a future where
families can afford single-family homes, not just government-subsidized apartments or
high-density high-rises built by politically connected nonprofits.
“Under Governor Kotek’s leadership, housing policies have been largely driven by
bureaucracy and ideology, prioritizing government-subsidized projects over real solutions
to increase supply, reduce costs, and empower working families. Her new budget doubles
down on the same failed strategies that have left Oregonians behind. It’s time for a new
vision—one that focuses on affordability, homeownership, and economic opportunity for
all,” added Bonham.
Senate Republicans are committed to delivering a housing policy that works for every
Oregonian. This means focusing on increasing housing supply across the spectrum,
reducing regulatory burdens that drive up costs, and addressing the skyrocketing energy
prices that make it harder to build and maintain homes.
“Oregonians don’t need more empty promises or half-measures. They need real solutions
to bring housing within reach. Senate Republicans will continue to fight for policies that
deliver the American Dream for Oregonians,” concluded Bonham.