Archives

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 […]


May 14, 2021 - Job vacancies break record

By NFIB, The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose to 99.8 in April, an increase of 1.6 points from March. The Optimism Index has increased 4.8 points over the past three months since January but a record 44% of owners reported job openings that could not be filled. “Small business […]


May 13, 2021 - METRO plan will squander millions

(photo: METRO building) Metro Council Resolution No. 21-5171 County’s current plan squanders millions of dollars with no accountability or measures of success By Cascade Policy Institute, Metro will consider a resolution approving Multnomah County’s plan to spend $52 million over the next year to address homelessness in the county. Cascade […]


May 12, 2021 - Ruling expands “aiding-abetting” liability for unlawful work practices

By Heather J. Van Meter Barran Liebman LLP Oregon law firm, The Oregon Court of Appeals held on May 5, 2021, that anyone could be sued and held liable for “aiding and abetting” unlawful employment practices, not just employers or employees, as the federal court in Oregon had consistently previously […]