June 2022 Employment and Unemployment in Oregon’s Counties BY Oregon Employment Department In June, unemployment rates declined in 18 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Unemployment rates in 17 counties did not decline, but held steady over the month. The unemployment rate increased in Umatilla County. Fourteen counties had unemployment rates at […]

By Amy Angel & Joshua Waugh Barran Liebman Law On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance for employers regarding COVID-19 in the workplace.  This guidance includes two significant updates related to employer-required testing for COVID-19. COVID-19 Viral Testing:  The EEOC made clear that, […]

Congressman Cliff Bentz, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) voted in favor of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contained an amendment he introduced that would require the United States Air Force to submit public plans for the future of bases operating with the F-15 Strike Eagle, such as Kingsley […]

By Oregon Small Business Association Foundation, Construction of a new Interstate 5 bridge crossing the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington could begin in late 2025 or early 2026. At least, that’s the hope after Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Executive Steering Group voted to move a preferred alternative that outlines the […]

BY NFIB, The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, announced today a multi-state paid advertising campaign including radio ads in Arizona and West Virginia. The ads encourage voters to urge Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly in Arizona, and Senator Joe Manchin in West […]

By Nick Ball Barran Liebman Law, As employers adapt to the post-pandemic economy, many are finding that remote work is here to stay. This E-Alert is part of a series intended to help employers ensure they are prepared for the unique challenges that remote work poses. 1. I have a […]

By Taylor Marks Cascade Policy Institute Too much, all at once. Portland’s city charter is long overdue for some rewrites. Few people deny that. Last month, the city’s Charter Review Commission announced its proposal to overhaul the city’s charter, with the reforms going to the voters on the November ballot. […]

By Josh Lehner Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, It’s no secret that the inflationary economic boom has translated into very strong public sector tax revenues. It’s the reason Oregon is currently facing a record kicker. These strong collections are nationwide and not a local phenomenon. 49 states saw revenues come […]

By Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, A recent survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shares how new concerns about gas prices and inflation are impacting Americans’ travel plans in a variety of ways. Majorities say they are likely to take fewer leisure trips (57%) and shorter […]

By National Restaurant Association National Restaurant Association working to ensure proposal addresses industry concerns while providing strong consumer protections Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce marked up the American Data Privacy and Protection Act. The bill would set a national standard […]