Government
State of Oregon Releases Economic and Revenue Forecast
(released on November 18, 2020) While the economic recovery continues, the virus remains in control. Expectations were already that growth would slow noticeably over the colder, wetter months ahead. The latest surge in COVID cases all but ensures it. Businesses and consumers are likely to pull back out of fear…
Read More
Thank you Congressman Greg Walden for your service to our state and for being so nice.
I sat down, virtually via Zoom, with Congressman Greg Walden, a year to the day after he declared that he would not seek re-election to thank him for his service and ask him a few questions about what it has been like for him during the last year in office.…
Read MoreSenate President Peter Courtney’s Comments on Emergency Board
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) issued the following statement after today’s historic virtual meeting of the Emergency Board: “It is days like these that remind me what an honor it is to be part of the Legislature. Today the Emergency Board took actions that will help…
Read MoreRural Entrepreneurship Bolstered with Assistance from Business Oregon for Ten Projects
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 2, 2020 Today Business Oregon announced investments in ten rural community projects throughout Oregon under the Rural Opportunities Initiative. The Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) is an initiative that works with communities to cultivate local environments that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Through financial support, innovative partnerships, network…
Read MoreComplying with the Real ID Act
The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act, effective on October 1, 2020, establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It also prohibits federal agencies…
Read More
Oregon Counts 2020 Website Unveiled, Public Awareness Campaign Underway
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate With a sixth congressional seat and resources estimated to be upwards of $900 million dollars on the line, the State, Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), cities, and advocacy organizations are all involved in the Oregon Complete Counts Committee and are actively spreading…
Read More
The Corporate Activity Tax (CAT)
(Often referred to as the Gross Receipts Tax) From From Oregon Department of Revenue: What is this new tax? A: The new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) is imposed on businesses for the privilege of doing business in this state. The CAT is not a transactional tax, such as a retail…
Read More
Employment Report Keeps Fed On Track
By Tim Duy DUY@UOREGON.EDU If you were looking for something exciting out of this labor report, you were disappointed. Mostly it is is a continuation of recent trends that will encourage the Fed to retain their basic optimism while providing them no reason to change course. Probably most important for…
Read More
Oregon’s Gross Receipts Tax – Update
By Greg Henderson, Founder & Co-Publisher Southern Oregon Business Journal www.southernoregonbusiness.com The Oregon Department of Revenue has determined that the best method of informing tax-payers of the progress being made toward full implementation of the “Corporate Activities Tax” (CAT) is to establish a three-step process, or “tracks”, to establish Temporary…
Read MoreSenator Arnie Roblan Will Not Seek Re-Election to Oregon Senate
Veteran Senator and Educator Reflects on Distinguished Public Service Career SALEM – Senator Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay), a veteran educator and legislator, announced today that he will not seek reelection to his Senate seat representing many of Oregon’s coastal communities. “Serving the people of Senate District 5 has been an…
Read MoreGovernor Brown to Promote Oregon Products, Tourism, and Foreign Investment During Trade Mission to Asia
Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced details on her upcoming trade mission to Asia to promote foreign investment in Oregon, Oregon goods, and tourism. The Governor will lead the mission in South Korea and Japan from November 5 – 16. “A thriving economy here in Oregon is influenced by markets…
Read More
A Meeting with Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis
By Greg Henderson On January 3, 2019 in her State of the City address, Eugene’s mayor Lucy Vinis listed her “drawdown” list of four major priorities; “Homelessness and Housing, Climate Resiliency, Public Engagement, and Inclusiveness.” Her mind has not changed. In a forty-five minute meeting on October 22, Mayor Vinis…
Read More