What did political leaders think of Kitzhaber's budget?

Gov. John Kitzhaber announced his $18.6 billion budget on Monday morning. It focused heavily on education and social services and drew a reaction across the political spectrum.

The 2015 Oregon Legislature will be overwhelmingly Democrat. The party holds 60 percent of the seats in the Oregon Senate, called a super majority, and nearly that many in the House of Representatives.

That likely means Kitzhaber will have strong support in both chambers for his budget plan.

Here's what the reaction looked like on both sides of the aisle:

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem

"This is the first step in the process. The governor has identified is his public policy priorities. He has outlined his vision for the next two years. He has met his constitutional responsibility to deliver a recommended budget. Now it's the co-chairs turn and I have asked for a co-chairs budget by mid-January," Courtney said. "The legislative branch looks forward to working with the executive branch in the 2015 session on crafting the best possible state budget for Oregon and her people."

Speaker of the House Tina Kotek, D-Portland

"I share the Governor's commitment to expanding opportunity for every Oregonian through investing in our schools and colleges, promoting economic growth across the state, and making sure that basic services meet the needs of every community.

"Now, the Legislature begins the task of examining the details in the budget, ensuring Oregon's priorities are fully funded, and continuing to build upon the post-recession reinvestments currently underway."

Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day

"The budget released by the Governor today provides a good starting point for debating how the legislature should spend taxpayer resources over the next two years. We appreciate the Governor's willingness to invest in a broad range of education needs starting at the early ages and continuing through college and technical training. We are also encouraged that the Governor recognizes that Oregon's slow recovery has not reached into many cities and towns in rural Oregon.

"We hope that the legislature will address an important priority that is absent in the Governor's budget by funding a robust rainy day account. The Governor should know that increasing revenues don't last forever, and the spending he is proposing is not sustainable in a recession. Protecting our classrooms and vulnerable Oregonians demands that we save money when times are good. With more than $1.8 billion in additional revenue this budget cycle, it is prudent and responsible to carefully put away some of the increase in a strong savings account for when times get tough.

"There is also an increased need for accountability and oversight over the executive branch this budget cycle. The failures of Cover Oregon and the Columbia River Crossing demand an unprecedented level of openness and watchfulness. These circumstances demand transparency and cooperation from the executive branch and relentless oversight from the legislature."

House Majority Leader Val Hoyle, D-Eugene

"We've heard loud and clear from Oregonians that their number one priority is funding our schools and reducing the overcrowding in our classrooms, while at the same time making sure that government is accountable and efficient. We support the Governor's focus on these key priorities.

"The Governor's budget is a good starting point for the discussion that lawmakers will have over the next several months about funding our schools and the critical services that all working families depend on. Oregon's budget should be a map toward future shared prosperity for everybody.

"An economy that works for everyone--including working families and small businesses--is one that creates real educational opportunities in every corner of the state. We look forward to continuing this conversation in the 2015 legislative session."

House Minority Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte

"The Governor's proposed budget for the next biennium is an ambitious one for the next Legislature to consider, increasing overall spending by nearly $2 billion than the previous budget and based on assumptions of strong economic growth in the future. After the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars lost on the failed Cover Oregon and Columbia River Crossing projects, we approach this current budget proposal with caution and concern – for the considerable increase in spending and for the need for proper oversight and accountability of our state resources that's been severely lacking in recent years.

"While the increased focus on education is welcome, we need to ensure that our resources are leading to better outcomes for our students and families. Simply throwing more money at the problems is not going to solve them. Targeted, thoughtful funding that gives our teachers more control in the classroom and our students more flexibility in learning will better prepare future generations of Oregonians for college and careers. A strong social safety net to protect our most vulnerable residents is necessary, but we would like to see a budget that focuses more state resources on helping connect Oregonians with stable employment and family-wage jobs. Oregon's high unemployment rate is no longer acceptable. Strengthening our employment programs and helping Oregonians receive the training and skills they need to find employment should remain a top priority for this legislative session.

"Oregonians deserve a budget that delivers essential services efficiently to all regions of the state – urban and rural alike. There are elements of promise and areas for compromise in this proposed budget, and House Republicans will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of all Oregonians as we work with the Governor and our legislative colleagues in the next session."

hhoffman@statesmanjournal.com, (503) 399-6719 or follow at twitter.com/HannahKHoffman