By Associated Builders and Contractors, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decreased the optional standard mileage rates to use for 2014 in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business by half-a-cent. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the standard mileage rate for the use of a car, including vans, pickup […]

by Tracy A Morrissette Oregon Employment Department Although most people work in full-time jobs, nearly one-quarter of employed Oregonians usually worked part-time schedules in 2012. People work part time for a variety of reasons. Part-time jobs offer flexibility for some who seek a job that fits their circumstances, such as […]

Some of the biggest names in tech, Apple, Samsung, and others make the list of worst tech moments of 2013.

  National Federation of Independent Business The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Legal Center has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, challenging a union organizing scheme. In this case, Harris v. Quinn, the Court must decide if forcing homecare providers to affiliate with a union […]

By John Charles Cascade Policy Institute In previous decades the Portland region failed to meet national air quality standards for carbon monoxide pollution and was designated a “non-attainment” area under the federal Clean Air Act. As a result, the region was required to develop and implement strategies to reduce carbon […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]