- Only $377 million more? That's cool.
That will trigger a new round of program cuts. But because of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's previous tryst with the machete, whacking out some $577 million, those cuts are not expected to touch substantial programs like schools and social services. Officials plan to tap one-time sources of cash to make up most of the gap, siphoning rainy-day savings and federal aid.
The drop mostly lies with personal income tax receipts, the madly swinging fiscal metric that underlies much of Oregon's finances. You know, because we don't have a sales tax. (It's akin to entrusting the rent money to your father, when your father is a drunk who likes horse-racing and video poker).
But for some folks, there was some really, really good news: Corporate tax receipts are trending $42 million over projections. If that holds, then businesses stand to receive checks credits for the overage about a year from now. Blame the kicker provision that sends back unanticipated tax revenues instead of putting them aside for crises. Like this one. Though the two-year fiscal period isn't complete, yet, the Office of Economic tells me "it's certainly a very real possibility."
Keep reading to see the dueling spin-jos plucked and strummed by our gubernatorial candidates.