Excerpts from University of Oregon Index of Economic Indicators™ Economic Index drops 2% “The University of Oregon Index of Economic Indicators™ continued its slide in December, falling 2 percent to 87.7 (1997=100). Compared to six months ago, the UO Index is down 10.8 percent (annualized). Weakness was widespread; six of […]

Wyden, Crapo and Walden Introduce Legislation to Improve Patient Access to Hospitals in Rural Oregon Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems . Washington, D.C. – Eliminating bureaucratic barriers that made it harder for rural residents and veterans to receive health care, Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and […]

By Dr. Eric Fruits Econinternational I have been asked by several people for my thoughts on the proposed stimulus package.  At the national level, the Wall Street Journal’s coverage is unsurpassed.  At the state-level, the Oregonian editorial board best sums up the challenges of the stimulus package: “But it’s folly […]

José Pinomesa, President Oregon Independent Auto Dealers Association The Legislature is in session and some come out the eccentric new ideas to create revenue.  You might have already heard but within the Governor’s Plan registration and title fees will be greatly increased and a one time vehicle surcharge put on […]

By Alyssa Williams, Biz Reporter The impacts of the Obama Administration’s pledged support for universal broadband in the U.S. may be questionable in Oregon due to existing increases of high-speed lines and the competition of wireless providers in the state. High-speed lines from competitive broadband companies in Oregon rose from […]

By Bill Conerly, Businomics, Conerly Consulting LLC New GDP data came out today, and they were not as bad as we expected.  There was bad news, notably that inventories rose last quarter.  There will certainly be an inventory reversal this quarter (probably) or next quarter (less likely), which will pull […]

By Oregon Society of Certified Professional Accountants News Alert 1/29/08 H&R Block is running a national advertising campaign designed to make consumers question the credibility and value of CPA services. On behalf of the profession, the AICPA is taking the lead in addressing the issue with the CEO of H&R […]

By Dr. Eric Fruits, Econinternational According to a report by consulting firm McKinsey & Co., the world can keep global warming in check if nations spend trillions of dollars on energy efficiency, clean power and forestry projects over the next 20+ years.  In addition to typical annual capital investments, the […]

By John Marshall Associated Oregon Industries Oregon’s largest business association Even though the 2009 Legislative Session convened less than two weeks ago, already two bills proposing to increase the $10 corporate minimum tax have been introduced.   HB 2119, introduced at Governor Kulongoski’s request, imposes the new minimum tax on C-corporations […]

Barran Liebman LLP Electronic Alerts Attorneys practice labor and employment law Electronic AlertSM, 1/27/09 A Reminder to Be Careful About Potential Retaliation Claims The United States Supreme Court held yesterday that an employee’s statement about sexual harassment made during a company’s internal investigation warrants protection against retaliation. Crawford v. Metropolitan […]