Damage Done - Legislature Ready to Leave Town
The Oregon Legislature has just about finished up its soon to be annual session. So far the construction industry (pat on our back) has come out pretty well. The labor unions have little to brag about. The environmentalists made no major strides. Metal theft legislation moved in a positive direction. And there are a ton of legislatively mandated projects up for construction over the next couple years. Overall, ABC members should be very pleased with their own grassroots efforts and the government affairs staff's efforts this session. 
 
The bad news comes in the broader business issues we share with several dozen other business groups. Instead of deep cuts to government, we now have higher taxes for all sizes of businesses.  Even if you aren't profitable, you will be paying a lot more next year.  We haven't seen the final, but there is still a chance you won't be able to hold a mandatory meeting to discuss politics or union issues with your employees. And while health care insurance will cover more people, it will be on the backs of those who already have it.
 
With just the budgets left to finalize along with a couple last minute policy issues, the legislature is expected to finish up their mad rampage within the next week. Once the dust settles and our lobbyists are able to pull themselves out of the dog pile, we will provide a complete legislative review. We will tell you what happened, what changed, what affects you and what is next; including potential referendums on the tax plans and taskforce's on a number of policies arguments.

 

- John