Archives

February 15, 2016 - Who’s moving to Oregon

By Josh Lehner Oregon Office of Economic Analysis Blog This edition of the Graph of the Week continues our focus on migration into Oregon. Migration is very important to the state and one of the two main reasons Oregon outperforms the typical state during expansions. This also sets the stage […]


February 13, 2016 - Problems with Oregon minimum wage plans

By Steve Buckstien, Cascade Policy Institute Picture two Oregon workers. One, a highly skilled and educated woman named Kate, earns well over $40 per hour based on a 40-hour work week. The other—a younger, less skilled, and less educated woman also named Kate—has a job that pays her Oregon’s minimum […]



February 11, 2016 - Oregon lawmakers author marijuana mail bill

Senator Ron Wyden Press Release, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined with Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici to introduce a bill that would allow publications in Oregon and other states where marijuana is legal to mail their publications containing written advertising for the product. The Marijuana Advertising in […]


February 10, 2016 - Status of Oregon Transportation Bill

Associated Oregon Industries Oregon’s largest business advocate by Mike Freese The short answer is no. Legislative leadership has made it clear that the lone transportation package (HB 4055) will not be heard this Session. However, the bill sponsor, Representative John Davis (R-Wilsonville), continues to pursue a short term funding package […]


February 9, 2016 - Oregon economy after the surge

University of Oregon Economic Indexes By Tim Duy Oregon Economic Forum University of  Oregon Oregon Economic Indicators: The Oregon Measure of Economic Activity retreated in December from a surge the previous month, but continues to signal above-average growth for state. Highlights of the report include: – The manufacturing sector made […]


February 8, 2016 - Portland housing bubble?

By Josh Lehner Oregon Office of Economic Analysis Blog This is part 2 of 2 this week on housing, see here for part 1. Given that housing and affordability are at the forefront of many people’s minds these days, I have been doing quite a bit of data work to […]


February 5, 2016 - Federal plan: 6 weeks paternity leave

By NFIB According to comments during a conference call between the White House and union officials, President Obama’s FY 2017 budget, to be unveiled next week, will contain a pay raise for federal employees averaging 1.6 percent. This would be an increase from the average raise for FY 2016 of […]


February 4, 2016 - Burdensome Pay Data Reporting Rule Proposed

By Bullard Law, Portland law firm By Michael G. McClory Get ready to grumble.  The EEOC and OFCCP jointly announced plans to substantially increase the data reporting burdens on employers associated with the annual EEO-1 Report. All covered private employers must file an EEO-1 Report every September. Currently, the report […]


February 3, 2016 - Legislature eyes Cap and Trade (Tax)

Associated Oregon Industries Oregon’s largest business advocate by Mike Freese In the upcoming 2016 “Short Session,” legislators will debate a controversial cap and trade bill, labeled the “Healthy Climate Act.” In short, the bill proposes to raise billions in new revenue on the backs of unsuspecting businesses and consumers. Proponents […]