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Oregon News and Info Tracker Stay in the know with "Oregon News and Info Tracker," your daily podcast for the latest news and updates from Oregon. We deliver quick and reliable news summaries on politics, community events, and more, ensuring you're always up-to-date with the happenings in your state.

  1. 2D AGO

    Oregon's Economic Recovery: Challenges, Innovations, and Bipartisan Solutions in 2026

    Oregon's economy continues to face significant headwinds as the state legislature navigates a challenging 2026 session focused on job creation and fiscal stability. Business bankruptcies surged 25 percent last year to their highest point since 2013, according to reporting from the Oregonian, with Oregon's decline occurring nearly four times faster than the national average. High-tech employment losses accelerated in 2025, adding to concerns about the state's competitive position. Governor Tina Kotek's economic development agenda is gaining traction in the legislature. Her HB 4084 economic development bill passed its first House committee on a bipartisan basis and now moves forward, though concerns remain about permitting timelines. The Oregon JOBS Act, or SB 1586, advances several pro-growth initiatives including doubling Oregon's research and development tax credit and expanding it beyond semiconductors to advanced manufacturing and biotech, according to the Springfield Bottom Line. The bill also creates new tax abatements for equipment purchases to support business expansion. On the fiscal front, the Oregon Senate passed SB 1507 on a party-line vote, adding more than 311 million dollars in expected revenue by eliminating certain federal tax breaks and expanding earned income tax credits for low-income Oregonians. All Democrats voted for the measure except one, while all Republicans opposed it. The legislative revenue office projects this will help close part of a roughly 350 million dollar budget hole still facing the state. Education and workforce development received a boost when Lane Community College received 1.6 million dollars in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to upgrade equipment at its Industry and Trades Education Center, as announced by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. The grant supports training in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. In local government, Oregon City Council voted to grant a six-month extension to a proposed data center project, with school district leadership expressing support for the economic development opportunity. Meanwhile, some ambitious bills have stalled. A proposal to reshape Oregon's school funding formula faced opposition from key education lobbying groups, and a liability waiver reform bill for ski resort operators advanced with Democratic Senate leadership directing it toward passage. Regarding weather, the Oregonian reports Mount Hood received up to two feet of snow between February 16 and 18, though it remains insufficient to recover from months of snow drought. Looking ahead, Oregon lawmakers continue wrestling with transportation funding challenges, including potential cuts to the Safe Routes to School program, while the legislature works to finalize budget priorities before the short session concludes. Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Oregon's Tax Overhaul and Business Priorities Spark Legislative Showdown

    Oregon's legislative session is heating up with key developments in taxes, business priorities, and education funding. The Senate passed SB 1507 on Monday, eliminating certain corporate tax breaks from the federal H.R. 1 package to generate $311 million in revenue, while expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit for about 200,000 low-income households from 9% to 14% for individuals and up to 17% for families with young children, according to KATU and KLCC reports. All Republicans opposed the measure, calling it a tax hike on businesses, as the bill heads to the House amid a lingering $350 million budget shortfall. Business leaders at Oregon Business & Industry updated their legislative priorities, highlighting threats like prevailing wage rules stalling housing projects and successes such as HB 4073 advancing for rulemaking transparency, per the OBI Capitol Connect Newsletter. Yet economic strains persist: business bankruptcies surged 25% last year to levels not seen since 2013, The Oregonian reports, while Central Oregon shows promise with EDCO forecasting growth in high-tech, manufacturing, and lifestyle sectors through 180 active projects. In education, a proposal to overhaul the 27-year-old Quality Education Model faces resistance from school groups after declining enrollment forced district cuts, KCBY notes. OSU-Cascades seeks $42 million in state funding for a health and recreation center on remediated land, backed by student fees and lawmakers. Transportation woes loom as ODOT eyes redirecting $27 million from Safe Routes to School to plug a $242 million hole, BikePortland reports. Mount Hood faces up to two feet of snow through February 18, but it's too little to offset the season's drought, The Oregonian says. Public safety incidents include a Portland ICE facility land use probe and resident lawsuits over tear gas from protests, per KATU and KGW. Looking Ahead: Watch for House action on the tax bill, Moda Center renovation funding debates, and Central Oregon Caucus priorities like HB 4084 for job growth. Governor Kotek leads in polls against GOP challengers. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Oregon Legislature Tackles Gas Tax, School Funding, and Economic Growth in 2026 Short Session

    Oregon's 2026 short legislative session, underway since February 2, is moving swiftly toward its March 8 conclusion, with key deadlines passing this week for bill agendas. Oregon Business & Industry reports Republicans criticizing Democrats over a gas tax referendum, while Senate Bill 1599, sponsored by top Democrats, aims to shift a voter referendum on gas tax hikes and road fees from November to May, drawing backlash at its first hearing according to OPB. Lawmakers are also debating House Bill 4002 to cap each of the 90 legislators at 30 bills in long sessions, seeking efficiency after over 3,400 bills last year, per KLCC and OPB. In education, districts face budget cuts amid declining enrollment, prompting proposals like Senate Bill 1555 to overhaul the 27-year-old school funding model with new cost-based standards, as covered by KVAL and Salem Reporter. Economic bright spots include Central Oregon's robust growth, with EDCO forecasting diversification in high tech, manufacturing, and lifestyle sectors, plus workforce expansions at Redmond High School and Central Oregon Community College. Southern Oregon gears up for 2026 projects like Medford Airport expansion, rural fiber broadband to Shady Cove, and Creekside Quarter downtown revitalization, boosting housing and jobs per Buying Southern Oregon. The Oregon JOBS Act, SB 1586, advances R&D tax credits and manufacturing incentives, gaining bipartisan nods according to Daily Astorian. Public safety headlines feature a Salem coworker assault suspect arrested in California after a chase, per KGW, alongside union pickets at Kaiser Sunnyside and Portland Community College bargaining tensions from Oregon AFL-CIO. No major recent weather events reported. Looking Ahead: Watch the February 16 hearing on the JOBS Act, ongoing campaign finance fixes, and transportation budget scrambles amid a $242 million ODOT shortfall, with potential cuts to Safe Routes to School. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min

  4. FEB 12

    Oregon Legislature Kicks Off 2026 Session with 300 Bills, Moda Center Deal, and Economic Strategies

    Oregon lawmakers have kicked off the 2026 short legislative session with nearly 300 bills, tackling taxes, education funding, and economic growth amid a projected budget gap. Senate President Rob Wagner proposed legislation for the state to co-own Portland's Moda Center with the city, aiming to raise hundreds of millions for renovations to keep the Trail Blazers in town without extra taxpayer costs, according to KGW News. Meanwhile, Portland discovered $8.5 million in unspent arts tax funds, sparking questions about artist payouts. NFIB reports tracking bills like HB 4015 for federal tax conformity and opposition to SB 1507, which would disconnect from federal bonus depreciation to preserve $291 million in state revenue. On the economy, Central Oregon shows promise with EDCO forecasting steady expansion in lifestyle products, high tech, and manufacturing, supported by over 180 active projects and enterprise zone tweaks. Governor Tina Kotek backed House Bill 4084 for FastTrack permitting and $40 million in industrial site funding to boost jobs. Federal grants announced by Senators Merkley and Wyden total over $92 million for housing, health, education, and infrastructure, including $2 million for Portland affordable housing and funds for rural dental clinics and firefighter training at Central Oregon Community College. Transportation faces a deepening funding pothole, with ODOT eyeing short-term debt and cuts after failed gas tax hikes, as noted by KLCC. School districts brace for budget cuts as lawmakers debate overhauling the 27-year-old funding model via Senate Bill 1555, facing opposition in Salem. No major recent weather events reported, though communities like Sumpter upgrade centers for wildfire resilience. Looking Ahead: Watch for transportation package votes, SB 1507 work sessions next week, and Kotek's 2027 renewable energy push under Executive Orders 25-25 and 25-29. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min

  5. FEB 10

    Oregon Leaders Unveil Moda Center Funding Plan to Secure Trail Blazers' Future and Boost Local Economy

    Oregon state leaders have unveiled a funding plan for major renovations to the Moda Center in Portland, aiming to secure the Trail Blazers' long-term presence and boost the local economy, with Governor Kotek and county officials emphasizing its critical role in retaining jobs and events, according to KGW News.[1][5] The 2026 legislative short session, underway since February 2, has introduced nearly 300 bills, including debates over federal tax code conformity in HB 4015 and SB 1507, which NFIB opposes for potentially costing businesses millions through disconnection from bonus depreciation, alongside proposals to raise payroll taxes for the Bureau of Labor and Industries.[2][6] Portland City Hall faces scrutiny over more than $100 million in unspent housing funds, up from $35 million last week, as reported by KGW and KATU.[1][9] In business and economy news, Governor Kotek testified in support of HB 4084, her Prosperity Roadmap bill, which includes $40 million for industrial site readiness and enterprise zone modernization to spur job growth.[7] Southern Oregon gears up for 2026 infrastructure wins like Rogue Valley International Medford Airport expansion, rural fiber broadband to Shady Cove and Trail, and Creekside Quarter downtown revitalization in Medford, promising housing demand and tourism boosts, per local development reports.[3] Federally, Portland secured millions for projects including Ellington Apartments redevelopment and safety upgrades on SE Chavez Boulevard, thanks to Senators Wyden and Merkley, as announced by Mayor Wilson.[4] Community updates include Salem-Keizer schools planning $25 million in cuts due to enrollment declines, targeting admin and blended classrooms despite gains in literacy and graduation rates, KATU reports.[8] Portland eyes police staffing increases via a proposed council resolution.[9] A St. Helens man faces charges for allegedly plotting to kill ICE agents.[1] No major recent weather events noted. Looking Ahead: Watch for SB 1507 work sessions this week on tax changes, gas tax referendum votes potentially shifting to May primary under SB 1599, and Blazers arena funding progress amid the session's March 9 close.[2][6][10][13] Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min

  6. FEB 8

    Oregon Legislature Tackles Budget Gaps, Economic Growth, and Immigration Justice in 2026 Session

    Oregon's 2026 legislative session kicked off this week in Salem, tackling a packed five-week agenda amid budget shortfalls and economic pressures. According to OPB, lawmakers face a $297 million gap in the Oregon Department of Transportation budget, prompting proposals to cut vacant positions and agency programs to avoid layoffs, while Governor Tina Kotek pushes House Bill 4084 for fast-track permits on large projects and $40 million for industrial land prep to boost jobs. Democrats are also advancing an immigration justice package in response to ICE raids, including bills to sue federal agents for rights violations and protect immigrant data privacy, as House Speaker Julie Fahey noted the chaos from federal actions creating fear for thousands. Economic development takes center stage, with Senator Janeen Sollman's JOBS Act aiming to expand R&D tax credits and open 1,700 acres in Hillsboro for advanced manufacturing, backed by businesses and local groups per Oregon Business and Industry. Federal funding flows in too: Senators Merkley and Wyden secured over $7 million for Central Oregon projects like canal piping for water efficiency and floating solar at Ochoco Irrigation District, while Portland gains $6.7 million for affordable housing at Ellington and Clara Vista sites, plus safety upgrades on Chavez Boulevard, as Mayor Keith Wilson highlighted. Infrastructure advances statewide, from Southern Oregon's 2026 projects like Medford airport expansion, Rogue X sports hub, and rural fiber broadband to Shady Cove, to federal cash for Milwaukie’s Kellogg Creek bridge replacement. No major weather events reported recently. Looking Ahead: Watch for debates on kicker rebate reforms, campaign finance tweaks, and BOLI payroll tax hikes by mid-March, alongside Moda Center renovations to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min

  7. FEB 5

    Oregon Lawmakers Tackle Budget Challenges and Economic Growth in Promising 2024 Short Session

    Oregon lawmakers kicked off their 35-day short session in Salem this week, facing a brighter budget outlook after a new revenue forecast revealed about $100 million more than expected, driven by corporate profits and consumer spending, according to OPB reports. Despite this, a $300 million gap persists from federal tax changes in H.R. 1, prompting Democrats to propose severing ties to three business tax breaks to reclaim nearly $300 million, while Republicans warn it could stifle growth. House Speaker Julie Fahey noted the forecast aids balancing the budget by March 8, though costs for SNAP and Medicaid rise due to federal mandates. Governor Tina Kotek is prioritizing jobs, pushing House Bill 4084 to fast-track permits for large projects in target industries and invest $40 million in industrial land, as outlined in legislative previews from OPB and Portland Tribune. Economic efforts include expanding R&D tax credits and opening Hillsboro land for advanced manufacturing, per Oregon Business & Industry. Portland secured $6.7 million in federal funds for affordable housing like Ellington Apartments redevelopment and safety upgrades on Chavez Boulevard, credited to Senators Wyden and Merkley by Mayor Keith Wilson. Infrastructure advances include federal boosts for OMSI District intersections and Portland International Airport's $2 billion terminal redevelopment, honored by ASCE. Lawmakers also eye transportation fixes amid ODOT's $242 million deficit, with a $4.3 billion tax package headed to May voters, and an immigration justice package to counter federal enforcement, including limits on warrantless ICE arrests per a recent U.S. judge ruling. No major weather events have disrupted the state recently. Looking Ahead: Watch for the March 8 budget deadline, May transportation tax vote, campaign finance tweaks, and Kicker rebate reforms. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min

  8. FEB 3

    Oregon's 2026 Legislative Session Tackles Budget Deficit, Transportation Funding, and Economic Growth

    Oregon's 2026 legislative short session kicked off this week in Salem, with lawmakers tackling a projected budget deficit, transportation funding woes, and pushback against federal immigration enforcement. According to The Oregonian, priorities include strengthening the economy amid a $297 million Oregon Department of Transportation shortfall, where Democrats aim to shift a controversial tax referendum from November to May before February 25 deadlines, as noted by Oregon Capital Chronicle and Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read. Governor Tina Kotek emphasized job growth and affordability, introducing bills like HB 4084 for faster economic permitting and HB 4082 for senior housing, per OPB reports. In business news, Columbia Distributing announced its acquisition of Portland's Point Blank Distributing, signaling a major shakeup in the craft beer sector, Portland Business Journal reports. Labor coalitions push union jobs for clean energy projects to boost employment, while federal logging revenue sharing rises to 75 percent for Oregon counties on O&C lands, up from 50 percent, according to Jefferson Public Radio. Oregon Housing and Community Services launched a Construction Loan Guarantee Program on January 29 to ease affordable housing barriers. Community updates show Portland Mayor Keith Wilson urging redirection of $21 million in housing funds to preserve city programs, Willamette Week details, amid a 35 percent homelessness surge since 2023, contrasting national declines per The Oregonian. Oregon City advances water, sewer, and parks upgrades, including debates over replacing the aging pool, as City Manager Tony Konkol outlined at a business alliance forum. School districts face warnings against shortening already brief years amid budget cuts, The Oregonian adds, while Portland Public Schools plans Cleveland High School modernization with community input. No major recent weather events reported. Looking Ahead: Watch for transportation tax ballot fights, immigration bills facing Republican opposition, Moda Center renovation debates, and Oregon City's pool community engagement plus November elections. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min
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Oregon News and Info Tracker Stay in the know with "Oregon News and Info Tracker," your daily podcast for the latest news and updates from Oregon. We deliver quick and reliable news summaries on politics, community events, and more, ensuring you're always up-to-date with the happenings in your state.

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