States across the nation are passing new legislation creating an internet tax to capture additional revenue to help states deal with the economic downturn.  These new laws would force out-of-state companies to collect sales tax if they have marketing affiliates in that state. These companies are currently protesting the responsibility […]

In the Philedelphia Inquirer, Martin Crutsinger of the Associated Press reports,  “Nine months into the fiscal year, the federal budget deficit has topped $1 trillion for the first time. The imbalance is intensifying fears about higher interest rates and inflation, and already pressuring the value of the dollar. But there […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting LLC These guys who write newspaper headlines are getting me down.  Here’s the Wall Street Journal’s online head:  “Housing Starts Jumped in June.”   Bloomberg proclaims: “Housing Starts in U.S. Unexpectedly Climb to Highest Level in Seven Months”  The Christian Science Monitor says:”US home construction […]

• Completed loan modifications fell 12 • Loans 60-plus-days delinquent increased approximately 7 percent • Foreclosure starts in April declined 3 percent • Foreclosure and third-party sales increased FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY: Washington, DC – Federal Housing Finance Agency Director James B. Lockhart today released FHFA’s latest Foreclosure Prevention Report […]

By Oregon Biz Report, Are economic woes finally behind us? There may be light at the end of the tunnel of economic recession based on responses to a June BusinessWeek survey of 179 US companies.  Key findings include: • 37% will reverse hiring freezes in the next six months • […]

Process for ADAAA Regulations Underway, Barran Liebman LLP Electronic AlertElectronic Alert, July 9, 2009 Do you use employment tests for hiring or promotion opportunities? Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, an employer generally may use facially non-discriminatory examinations or other selection devices for hiring or promotional decisions unless […]

By Strategic Economic Development Corporation, Salem, Ore. 29 June 2009 – The Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR), the economic development agency for Marion and Polk Counties, has created an Alliance to create a competitive advantage to serve the needs of developers, companies and investors involved in the Mid-Willamette Valley’s construction […]

By Patrick Emerson Oregon Economics Blog A recent Oregonian article on the high prices at Farmers Markets raises an interesting question: just what are you paying for? The Oregonian article focuses on the high prices charged at the market and how this compares to CSAs and supermarkets. There is a […]

The Washington Post reported,”Foreclosure filings increased again in June as the weak labor market pushed more homeowners into delinquency and government efforts to prevent foreclosure efforts struggled to gain traction, according to data from RealtyTrac released today.The firm counted 336,173 filings nationally, which can range from default notices to bank […]

José Pinomesa, President Oregon Independent Auto Dealers Association Cash for Clunkers is now the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).  This government program assists you in purchasing a brand new, more fuel efficient vehicle than the one that you are trading in.  This became law on July 1, but will basically […]