Archives

December 31, 2013 - Analyzing Oregon’s tax reform ideas

Oregon Economics Blog Fred Thompson,Recently, two very able young legislators, Sen. Mark Hass and Rep. Tobias Read, authored a blueprint for state/local tax reform in Oregon. This is quite remarkable. Who can remember a major reform emanating from the sapless branch of our state government, not forced upon it by […]


December 30, 2013 - Petition submitted to change Oregon liquor laws

By J.L. Wilson Associated Oregon Industries Oregon’s largest business advocate Following up on threats to force the privatization of liquor sales in Oregon, the Northwest Grocers Association (NWGA) filed five initiative petitions  to allow stores over 10,000 square feet to sell liquor. The NWGA has been considering such a move […]


December 27, 2013 - 10 most ridiculous lawsuits 2013

U.S. Chamber of Commerce A group of Idaho inmates’ lawsuit blaming eight brewers for causing their lives of crime tops the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) survey of the top 10 most ridiculous lawsuits of 2013. ILR also released a highlight video containing each lawsuit on the list.“Whether cringe-worthy or […]


December 26, 2013 - Portland among the hottest real estate upswings

By Economist Dr. Eric Fruits, Econinternational In the Portland State University Center for Real Estate single family housing report, RMLS student fellow Evan Abramowitz reports that all major US metropolitan markets have seen appreciation in the last year, and foreclosure activity is at the lowest level since before the recession […]


December 24, 2013 - Alarm over Congress raising Minimum Wage

By Dan Danner President NFIB A number of U.S. senators—many of whom voted for Obamacare—are planning to vote to significantly increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and index it to inflation, permanently. That means wages would continue to rise regardless of sales, performance, or even the ability […]


December 23, 2013 - The 12 scams of Christmas

  By Oregon Better Business Bureau Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington warns about common holiday scams and frauds: Malware E-cards: Viruses and malware often travel in fraudulent holiday email cards. Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails. Stranded Grandkids: It’s the classic grandparent […]



December 20, 2013 - 10 myths on immigration

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Despite many studies and detailed economic reports outlining the positive effects of immigration, a great deal of misinformation is being peddled by opponents of immigration reform. The following myths and facts show that immigrants significantly benefit the U.S. economy by creating jobs, increasing wages, and complementing […]


December 19, 2013 - The good & bad of digital receipts

By Oregon Better Business Bureau With the probable demise of physical cash in the near future, many retailers—large and small—are adopting point-of-sale solutions to accommodate the increasing use of debit and credit. The ease of implementation, gentle learning curve and competitive fees are making smartphone and tablet-based POS options extremely […]


December 18, 2013 - The strings behind Phil Knight’s $500M gift

By Steve Buckstein Cascade Policy Institute It was wonderful to hear that Phil and Penny Knight recently offered a $500 million cancer challenge to OHSU if the public would match their donation. But now OHSU wants taxpayers to come up with $200 million of the match through a building bond. […]