For more than a decade, Oregon forecasters have underestimated the strength of the state’s economy — and the amount of money it collects each year.

That’s led to tax rebate windfalls for Oregon residents, who receive a portion of excess revenue under the state’s unique “kicker” law.

It’s also left state lawmakers with less money to spend on schools, health care, transportation and other budget priorities.

All of this may change now that Oregon’s hired a state economist, who is reforming the model his office uses to predict the state’s finances.

On the latest Beat Check, reporters Shane Dixon Kavanaugh and Mike Rogoway discuss the potential impacts of those changes.

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