Archives

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 […]


February 2, 2016 - Why state corporate income taxes are disappearing

Oregon Economics Blog But why? The easiest explanation to discard is that, in a race to the bottom, states have reduced corporate income-tax (SCIT) rates. They haven’t. Marginal SCIT rates have been more or less constant for more than 30 years.


February 1, 2016 - 2016: A year of business risk, uncertainty

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Facing extraordinary economic, political, and geopolitical uncertainty and risks in 2016, businesses need more pro-growth lawmakers and better policies to create jobs, stimulate growth, raise incomes, and increase opportunities for Americans, said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue in his annual “State of American […]


January 28, 2016 - Business bills of 2016 Legislature

Associated Oregon Industries Oregon’s largest business advocate As many of you know, the Oregon Legislature convenes for both long and short Legislative Sessions, depending on the year. The upcoming 2016 Legislative Session is a short session, meaning it will last 35 days starting February 1, 2016. While some believe short […]