Business News Note: On December 30th, 2009 the State of Oregon launched a new statewide Budget Transparency Website through the efforts of both Democrat and Republican lawmakers.  Those involved acknowledge that this project is just the beginning.  The Director of the Department of Administrative Service stated, “this is a solid […]

By National Federation of Independent Business …The Senate passed a massive healthcare reform bill Dec. 24 that will determine how your business will grow, or not grow, for years to come. We vigorously opposed the bill for three reasons. First, it doesn’t make health insurance more accessible or affordable for […]

Oregon Business News Notes, Less than five days into 2010 and we are witnessing a few interesting business shake ups and bold changes to survive and adapt to changing conditions. Oregon City’s Blue Heron Paper Company files for bankruptcy: The Blue Heron Paper Company became the first high profile Oregon […]

By Oregon Tax News, Due to the ongoing economic crisis, Oregon’s Indian gaming industry suffered a 1.2 percent decline in revenue last year, placing the state No. 24 among the 31 Indian gaming states. According to economist Alan Meister and his recently released annual Indian Gaming Industry Report, no new […]

By Kay Helbling, AIC, CPCU In insurance it’s called a “moral hazard”. A moral hazard is the result of maximizing behavior. A person weighs the costs and benefits of an action and when benefits exceed costs, he takes the action. For example, if an accident costs the person $1000, but […]

94% of Homes Sold for Below $500k in Portland in November RMLS Updates, The original deadline for the homebuyer tax credit was November 30 and it appears that this may have had an effect on home sales in November. Homes that sold for $250,000 or below (likely the price range […]

Treasurer lauds ‘remarkable year’ marked by job-creating bond sales program, college savings settlement, and leadership on financial transparency Press Release by State Treasurer Office, SALEM – The accomplishments of the Oregon State Treasury in 2009 are helping to create jobs, protect the public and save Oregonians money. Families of college […]

Bloomberg GDP growth forecast for the US and major industrial nations in 2010

Data from the Rasmussen Consumer Index show that their is striking difference between government employees and private sector employees when it comes to economic outlook and personal finances.  Below are some of thee results: Rated economy as good/excellent Government employees: 24% Private Employees: 9% Rated economy as getting better Government […]

By William S. Manne, William C. Fisher Miller Nash LLP, Oregon and Washington Law Firm Charitable organizations’ vehicle donation programs have come under recent scrutiny by the Oregon DMV (the “DMV”). Oregon motor vehicle law requires vehicle sellers to be registered dealers unless the vehicle was used for personal or […]