Five Bills to Improve Oregon’s Regulatory Environment
It is difficult for employers, especially small businesses, to navigate Oregon’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape. These five bills would make Oregon an easier state in which to operate.
Estate Tax Relief Would Save Family Farms, Businesses
Senate Bill 498 would ease Oregon’s estate tax burden for families that inherit natural resource-based businesses such as farms and forestry operations. Thirty eight states don’t’ have an estate tax at all, and of those that do Oregon has the lowest exemption threshold.
Toxic-Free Kids Expansion is Too Broad, Unworkable
House Bill 3042 would broaden the scope of products covered under the law to a potentially unknowable degree, increase reporting obligations and redefine “mouthable” in a way that would make compliance in Oregon extremely difficult.
Why Oregon Needs an Office of Business Ombuds
Senate Bill 44 would create an office of business ombuds, which would help employers navigate Oregon’s complex and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Employers operating in good faith often don’t know where to go for answers to key compliance questions
Jan. 23 Legislative Week in Review
A weekly rundown of recent legislative developments of interest to employers and a look at upcoming activity on significant issues.
OBI Urges Legislative Panel to Remove Barriers to Opportunity
OBI VP for Government Affairs Scott Bruun urged legislators to address barriers to opportunity by supporting existing economic development tools like enterprise zones, creating new tools like an R&D tax credit and a capital investment tax credit.
From Towers to Terminals, Freres Product Has Mass-Timber Mojo
Freres Engineered Wood has translated its expertise in Douglas fir veneer production into a cross laminated timber product composed of many thin layers, a design that provides great strength and rigidity..
OBI Rounds Out Policy Team as 2023 Legislative Session Begins
Policy team changes include promotions and role adjustments for Scott Bruun, Sharla Moffett and Katie Koenig as well as the addition of Derek Sangston, former legislative director to Senate President Peter Courtney.
Greenbrier Reduces Fall Risk with Automated Rail Car Hatch
The Greenbrier Companies has developed a hatch for covered hopper rail cars that opens and closes automatically, eliminating the need for workers to climb on cars
How a Manufacturer Created a Community Child Care Program
Boardman Foods created an after-school program for employees in 2004. Then COVID happened, creating a demand for full-day child care. Company officials now run a community day care program at the Port of Morrow.
Costly Commuting Rules Would Affect Employers Across Oregon
Proposed DEQ trip-reduction mandates would affect hundreds of employers in almost 70 Oregon cities. The rules would discriminate against industries like manufacturing and hospitality while rewarding employers for taking highly regressive measures.
OBI Joins Coalition to Highlight Critical Role of Hydropower
The Northwest’s hydropower system provides reliable, clean and affordable electricity as well as efficient transportation for barged goods. Preserving these benefits is critical given the increasing importance of electrification and the importance of reducing greenhouse gases.
