Completion of Special Session Delayed for Two Weeks
What happened: No sooner did last Monday’s Capitol Connect hit members’ inboxes than additional wrinkles beset the Legislature’s special session. As of last Monday, two transportation-related bills had passed the House. HB 3991 would raise the state gas tax and various vehicle fees while doubling the state’s 0.1% employee-paid payroll tax for transit. HB 3992 is a companion budget bill. The plan at the time was for the Senate to take up the legislation on Wednesday.
New wrinkle: The special session encountered notable procedural problems even before the House voted on the two bills, including difficulty gathering a House quorum and adopting Senate operating rules. As you’ve undoubtedly heard, it encountered another on Wednesday, when a key legislator, Sen. Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, was unable to attend for health-related reasons. His vote being necessary to pass the funding package, legislative leaders were forced to pause consideration. The upper chamber is now expected to meet on Sept. 17 to finish the job.
What’s happening now: While both the House and Senate are “in session” and will remain so until at least the announced date, the functioning of this session consists entirely of one member showing up every three days in each chamber to gavel in and out, a procedural step necessary to keep the session operationally open. No other activity is happening, though it could. OBI remains vigilant in the event of the unexpected. The posted calendar can be viewed here. Even while the session is on hold, legislators are receiving their per-diem payments, as this OPB article explains.
Governor’s statement: As with the session itself, a wrinkle also appeared in the plan to lay off hundreds of Oregon Department of Transportation employees. Those layoffs had been slated to take effect Sept. 15. But in a statement following Wednesday’s delay, Gov. Kotek says she “directed ODOT to extend the effective date of the layoffs to October 15.” The governor based the extension on what she called “a good faith assessment, with the assurance of Senate leaders, that the bill passed by the House on Monday will pass when the Senate reconvenes.”
Read more: For additional coverage of the special session, check out recent stories by The Oregonian, Oregon Public Broadcasting and KGW.
Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act Update
Only weeks after Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) became operative, its constitutionality was challenged by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, which represents an $8 trillion industry. According to the association’s lawsuit, the program inappropriately shifts the establishment and collection of fees to a private entity. The lawsuit also alleges the program runs afoul of both the Oregon and U.S. constitutions by discriminating against out-of-state producers and violating due process. Prior to filing its suit, the association asked the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to delay enacting the program for another year. OBI has made a similar request.
Aside from the lawsuit, DEQ and program administrator Circular Action Alliance (the private entity referenced above) are beginning to acknowledge the program needs additional work before it is ready for prime time. During the late stages of the 2025 legislative session, a bill (HB 3981) was introduced at the request of some stakeholders that would have delayed provisions of the program regulating recycling locations until Jan. 1, 2026. The bill did not receive a hearing, but DEQ agreed to provide an extension in its enforcement of those provisions. Those same provisions are now the subject of a new plan amendment submitted by CAA.
Public comments may be submitted until Oct. 15 at rethink.recycling@deq.oregon.gov. If you’re interested in learning more about this program, your company’s obligations under it or OBI’s work to make it more palatable for producers in Oregon, please consider joining OBI’s ad hoc EPR committee.
The RMA is a sweeping program established by the DEQ following passage of a bill during the largely remote 2021 legislative session. The program’s rules seek to fundamentally change recycling practices in the state and levy significant fees on companies that introduce certain packaging and materials into the supply chain. The costs ultimately are borne by consumers and end users. The program’s stated goal is to increase plastic recycling in Oregon 16.8%-18.4% to 25%. The estimated cost through 2027 is $731.5 million.
Oct. 9 Webinar: HR 1 and Employer Obligations
The many changes created by HR 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, include more than a few that will affect Oregon workplaces. These touch on a range of benefits, including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and various fringe benefits.
To help make sense of these changes, attorney Iris Tilley will join OBI for a webinar on Oct. 9. Iris is a partner with Barran Liebman LLP in Portland and specializes in employment law and ERISA.
There will be plenty of time for questions from webinar attendees.
A separate webinar on the tax implications of HR 1 will be scheduled later in October.
Go here to register.
Oregon Business Matters Talks with NIC Industries’ Brian Hall
In this episode, host Angela Wilhelms talks with Brian Hall, CEO of rapidly growing NIC Industries. Based in White City, NIC Industries manufactures powder coatings and liquid ceramic coatings, which it sells around the world. The company’s products include its successful Cerakote car-care line, which can be found in retail stores around the country.
NIC Industries is a 2025 recipient of OBI’s Visionary Award, which recognizes people, companies and organizations that strengthen Oregon’s economy and contribute significantly to shared prosperity.
Brian himself was honored in June as EY’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Mountain West region, which includes Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Brian and Angela talk about the evolution of NIC Industries, the benefits and challenges of operating in Oregon, and Brian’s successful approach to leadership.
Oregon Business Matters focuses on insights, issues and initiatives that affect Oregonians’ shared prosperity and the state’s economy.
Episodes can be found on OBI’s website here and on major podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Prepare to Vote for 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon
Voting’s almost here!: The wait to begin voting in this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest is almost over. OBI and partner Here is Oregon will release the 16 finalists at 12 a.m. Tuesday, at which point the first round of voting will begin.
The contest so far: People from far and wide nominated Oregon-made products for this year’s contest. A panel chose the 16 coolest products from a very long list of nominees, and these products were randomly assigned positions on a tournament-style bracket.
What happens next: The first round of voting – which will take place on Here is Oregon’s online platform – will narrow the list to eight. Subsequent rounds of voting will narrow the list further, and the manufacturers of the two remaining products will be invited to OBI’s Vision Oregon Event Oct. 22. At that time, the winner will be announced. The contest schedule is as follows:
- Sept. 9-22: Round One
- Sept. 23-29: Round Two (quarterfinal round)
- Sept. 30-Oct. 6: Round Three (semifinal round)
- Oct. 7-17: Championship Round
- Oct. 22: Winner Announced
- Oct. 23 – October 2026: Winner Basks in Glory
To vote: Visit Here is Oregon’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon page here after midnight tonight. Updates and additional information also will appear on OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon page here.
Survey: Should Oregon Revisit Public Camping Law?
In a June 2024 ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a lower-court ruling that for years had tied the hands of cities seeking to enforce bans on camping in public spaces. The overturned ruling, issued by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, had prohibited cities from banning public camping unless they provided enough shelter space to accommodate displaced campers.
Prohibiting public camping has continued to be difficult in Oregon, however, due to a law created by the 2021 Legislature via HB 3115 that effectively codified the Ninth Circuit’s standard. The Legislature has shown no inclination to reconsider that law and give local governments the choice, despite efforts by OBI and local government groups.
Meanwhile, the use of sidewalks, parks and other public spaces for unregulated camping continues to cause access, safety and sanitary problems for businesses across the state.
OBI would like to gauge the views of members on this issue. Would you support legislation allowing local governments to adopt regulations controlling public camping?
Please go here to indicate your support or opposition.
Join the 2025 Manufacturing & Innovation Roadshow
OBI’s Manufacturing & Innovation Roadshow is back for its fourth year. On Oct. 6 and 7, the Roadshow will visit seven manufacturers and host two roundtable discussions in the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon.
The Roadshow, which coincides with National Manufacturing Week, will make stops in Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas and Jackson counties. Participants will tour industry leaders Garmin, ATI, PakTech, Richardson Sports, Con-Vey, Carestream and Harry & David. They’ll also participate in a pair of roundtable luncheons at the University of Oregon and Rogue Community College’s Table Rock campus.
Check OBI’s Manufacturing & Innovation Roadshow web page for updates as the itinerary is finalized and short profiles of participating manufacturers are posted. Go here to register for as many stops as you would like.
Baker Tilly Event to Examine Federal Tax Law Impact
Ready for what’s next? Navigate policy shifts with confidence. Join leaders from Baker Tilly, Oregon Business & Industry, and the Portland Metro Chamber at Baker Tilly’s free Sept. 30 event, “Oregon Tax Outlook: Big Beautiful Bill and Local Impact,” as they cut through the noise to explain what’s changing under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as well as state and local developments, and what it means for your business and personal planning.
The panel of professionals will provide an in-depth look at the latest developments shaping the financial and business landscape along with implications for the Oregon economy, and the Portland business community.
Key topics include:
- How federal tax credit and deduction changes affect Oregon businesses’ bottom lines
- How workforce, sustainability and infrastructure provisions in the bill may affect your business strategy
- State and local tax updates specific to Portland and Oregon.
The event will take place on Sept. 30 and run from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Baker Tilly’s Portland office (805 SW Broadway Suite 1400).
Go here to register or contact John McHale (john.mchale@bakertilly.com) with any questions.
Worksystems to Hold Hillsboro Career Expo Sept. 24
Worksystems, the Portland Metro Workforce Development Board, will hold a Job and Resource Career Expo in Hillsboro on Sept. 24 to connect employers with recently laid-off workers from Intel, veterans returning from active duty and other people exploring new career paths. Employers who are ready to hire now or want to build their talent pipeline are encouraged to attend.
Worksystems expects candidates in the following areas to be well represented:
- administrative and business
- engineering and technical
- IT and software
- project management
- finance and compliance
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wingspan Event and Conference Center at 801 NE 34th Ave. in Hillsboro.
Businesses that would like to reserve a place at this event can do so here.
For questions, please contact Sabrina Van Artsdalen at svanartsdalen@worksystems.org or 503.478.7311.
Don’t Miss OBI’s 2025 Vision Oregon Event
Don’t miss OBI’s 2025 Vision Oregon Event, which will take place Oct. 22 at the Portland Art Museum.
Vision Oregon will kick off at 3:30 with an hourlong networking reception, followed by this year’s program:
Entrepreneurship in Oregon: Celebrating Vision and Supporting Growth
Keynote address and a panel discussion on Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Visionary Award presentations
This year’s Oregon Visionary Award honorees are Daimler Truck North America and NIC Industries. Learn more here.
Announcement of the winner of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest
Follow the progress of this year’s contest here
Go here to register for Vision Oregon.
Notable News
Vaccine alliance: The governors of Oregon, Washington and California said Sept. 3 they’re forming a coalition to establish their own vaccine and immunization recommendations. It’s unclear whether insurance companies would pay for shots recommended by state health authorities but not their federal counterparts (The Oregonian).
Umpqua name change: Umpqua Bank on Sept. 1 changed its name to Columbia Bank, with branches across the region now sporting new signage (The Oregonian).
Reactor producer: It may not constitute the firm contract NuScale Power has been eager to nail down, but a public power giant took a step Sept. 2 toward using the Corvallis company’s small modular reactors. The Tennessee Valley Authority announced a six-plant, 6-gigawatt development agreement with Entra1, NuScale’s strategic partner in commercializing its technology (Portland Business Journal).
Estate tax: State Rep. Kevin Mannix says he wants to kill Oregon’s so-called death tax. Mannix, a Republican lawmaker from Salem, would like to see voters repeal the estate tax. Mannix is the chief petitioner of Initiative 51, the “End The Death Tax Act, and is gathering signatures to take the issue to voters in 2026 (Oregon Public Broadcasting).
Health insurance: Another basic expense could soon be going up again for many Oregonians, as health insurers for individuals and small businesses seek significant increases to the rates they can charge. One year after getting a median rate increase of around 10%, the same insurers are looking, in 2026, to increase rates by a median 10% more (Willamette Week).
Powell’s Books: Powell’s City of Books, citing industry challenges and financial constraints that began during the pandemic, has begun a series of layoffs (Portland Business Journal).
Hospital downgrade: Moody’s Ratings has downgraded Legacy Health’s revenue bond rating and given it a negative outlook, more than three months after OHSU’s attempt to acquire the health system fell apart (Portland Business Journal).
Bend redevelopment: Underwhelmed by the sluggish pace of redevelopment in Bend’s prospective urban core east of downtown, an advisory board overseeing an urban renewal area there wants to try a new strategy. The group of business leaders, developers and other interested parties started conversations last month about a spending plan for the next five years, foreshadowing a major shift from funding public road improvement projects to helping private developers finance their projects (The Bulletin).
Check Out OBI’s Member Benefits
OBI offers members a range of programs that can save money or help small businesses offer benefits normally available only to much larger companies. Benefit programs include:
- HealthChoice: Helps businesses with fewer than 100 employees offer comprehensive health-care benefits through our partnership with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon.
- CompSAFE: Helps eligible companies enjoy workers’ compensation discounts through SAIF Corporation.
- Fuel Program: Helps members save fuel costs through our partnership with Ed Staub & Sons.
- ODP Business Solutions: Helps OBI members save money on office furniture, supplies and other services.
- LegalPLUS: OBI members receive 15 minutes of free legal consulting per month from Innova Legal Advisors.
Go here to learn about all of OBI’s member benefits.