Archives

May 28, 2021 - Save Local Business Act fixes joint employer rule

By NFIB, The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sent a letter of support to the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives supporting the Save Local Business Act, which will provide certainty for small businesses concerning the joint employer standard. “Returning to a ‘direct-control’ joint employer standard will […]


May 27, 2021 - OHSA reverses workplace rule on recording vaccination reaction

OSHA Reverses Guidance on Recording Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccination By Wilson Jarrell Barran Liebman Law The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently updated its guidance on when employers need to record adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. In a reversal of the guidance it issued back in April (which […]


May 26, 2021 - Lawmakers eye taxing PPP business loans

By Oregon Small Business Association, Yesterday in the Oregon Senate Revenue and Finance Committee, lawmakers heard testimony on Senate Bill 137-2 which would have the effect of placing a tax on the forgiven PPP loans created by Congress to help Oregon small businesses.  The tax would apply to all loans […]


May 25, 2021 - Washington’s long-term care payroll tax closer to starting

By Heather J. Van Meter Bullard law, Washington state recently passed the Long-Term Care Act, creating a new employee payroll tax of 0.58% on employee income. SB 1323 was signed into law late last month, and it amends RCW 50B.04 to create the country’s first state-run long-term care trust fund. […]


May 24, 2021 - Oregon job hires slows to a grind

By Oregon Employment Department, Hiring in Oregon slowed significantly in April. Total nonfarm payrolls added 2,200 jobs, following a revised gain of 19,600 in March. Oregon’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.0%. Job growth also slowed nationwide in April, and the U.S. unemployment rate was 6.1%. Oregon has regained 59% […]


May 21, 2021 - Small business wins case challenging IRS

By NFIB, NFIB commends the United States Supreme Court decision in CIC Services v. Internal Revenue Service today which clarified that the Anti-Injunction Act’s scope is limited and permits pre-enforcement judicial review of tax rules. This is a win for small business owners who can now challenge tax regulations they […]


May 20, 2021 - OHA updates Oregon mask policy for business

Oregon Health Authority Issues Revised Masks Guidance Statewide, Adjusted for Vaccinated People By Heather J. Van Meter Bullard Law, Oregon law firm The Oregon Health Authority issued its revised guidance for the use of face masks, face coverings, or face shields (“masking requirement”) in light of the U.S. Centers for […]


May 19, 2021 - Unemployment insurance tax relief bill advances

By Anthony K. Smith Oregon NFIB, Oregon lawmakers have less than two months left to complete the work of the 2021 legislative session, and while legislation was moving slowly during the first half of the session, the pace has picked up significantly in recent weeks with many bills passing in […]


May 18, 2021 - Gov. invokes government incentives to push vaccinations

By Oregon Business Industry, Gov. Brown announced on May 11 that she will fully reopen the state once the vaccine rate (adults 16+ with the first dose) hits 70% statewide. “Fully reopen” means risk levels will be eliminated, and businesses can return to normal operations, although mask and distancing requirements […]


May 17, 2021 - OSHA relaxes outdoor workplace rules

By By Peter S. Hicks Jordan Ramis Law, Oregon law firm Effective May 11, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority (“OHA”) has issued revised Reopening Guidance regarding the continued use of masks, face coverings, and face shields. Significantly, this revised Reopening Guidance eliminates the requirements for masks, face coverings, or face […]