Gov. Kate Brown talks of ‘pivotal moment’ in her final State of the State address

(Update: Adding Republican lawmakers' response from Bend state Sen. Tim Knopp)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Kate Brown delivered her final State of the State address on Thursday, highlighting key policy and budget initiatives focused on helping working families, including workforce development and career training, affordable housing, and child care.  

"I stand here today at a pivotal moment for Oregon. Since I took office seven years ago, the world has fundamentally changed,” Brown said. “Oregon has undoubtedly faced some of the most challenging times in our state’s history.

"However, even with all we’ve lost, we can see a path forward. We have an opportunity before us. Our economy is strong, and we must keep it humming. Most importantly, we have to make sure that every Oregonian feels it. In order to make transformational change in our state, we need to lift up the communities that have been left behind. 

"In my last year as governor, I view every day, every moment, as one more opportunity to focus on the big and bold work we still have to do for Oregon’s working families. I am dedicated to building a strong workforce for Oregon. I will bolster that workforce by providing access to child care so that parents can go to work knowing their kids are cared for. And I will marshal my colleagues to once again make a significant investment in affordable housing. These three investments work together to ensure every working family can thrive."

Brown's speech highlighted key policy and budget initiatives focused on helping working families, including:

• Future Ready Oregon: a $200 million investment in job training with a focus on key Oregon industries in need of skilled workers;
• A $400 million investment in affordable housing;
• A $100 million investment in child care; and
• Continuing to invest in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from climate-related disasters.

Additional Materials

• A copy of the governor's prepared remarks is available here. 
• A recording of today's speech is available on YouTube. 
• Please note the video starts at the [TIME] mark.
• A Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) simulcast are also available. 

News release from Oregon House and Senate Republicans:

Republicans Respond to Governor’s Out of Touch State of the State

Governor silent on solutions to crime

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Kate Brown’s State of the State speech ignored the public safety crisis sweeping across Oregon communities.

“Crime is at record levels here in Oregon, but you wouldn’t know that by listening to the Governor’s speech,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). “People don’t feel safe and Republicans share their frustration and anger. The lack of urgency Democrats have brought to this crisis is shocking. The Governor’s workforce package won’t do anything for our economy if people don’t feel safe to work or do business here. Oregonians are desperate for real leadership and solutions on public safety.”

“Safer communities should be a priority this session,” said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “Any proposals from the Governor that misses this crucial element does not fully serve Oregonians. Instead, we’ve seen the Governor commute the sentences of killers, Democrats have proposed legislation to retry potentially thousands of cases of violent criminals, law enforcement budgets are lower than ever, and current law makes it harder for police to stop riots. Oregonians deserve safer neighborhoods. House Republicans demand better.”