Oregon’s political landscape is shifting as the state legislature reaches the midpoint of its 2025 session, with lawmakers narrowing their focus after the April 9 bill deadline. The Oregon Business & Industry group reports that a major transportation tax package is taking shape, proposing a 20-cent gas tax increase, new sales taxes on vehicles and tires, and higher registration and titling fees. Meanwhile, the state’s budget outlook has improved, with the projected shortfall shrinking from $373 million to $63.1 million, according to the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis. However, economic uncertainty persists, and the state’s rate of new business creation dropped from 12th to 28th nationally between 2023 and 2024, as reported by Oregon Business & Industry.
On the employment front, Intel announced it will cut another 669 workers in Oregon by the end of 2025, bringing its total layoffs in the state this year to over 3,100, according to KLCC. The state’s public health sector is also facing challenges, with the Coalition of Local Health Officials requesting $65.2 million to address staffing shortages and prevent further strain on local health departments.
In local government news, Portland’s city council rejected a proposal to cut $4.3 million from the city’s homeless camp removal program, opting instead to maintain funding for the initiative. The city is also advancing several infrastructure projects, including the Rose Quarter improvement along I-5, which is now facing financial challenges as costs balloon to $2 billion, according to KGW News. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality awarded $2.6 million in grants for zero-emission fueling infrastructure, supporting the installation of charging stations for medium- and heavy-duty fleets across the state.
Community news highlights include the Portland school board adopting a draft work plan that prioritizes Albina projects, boundaries, and budget, as well as ongoing efforts to improve child care infrastructure with $20 million in new funding from Business Oregon. The state also issued $31 million in Safe Routes to School funds to enhance safety for students traveling to and from school.
Recent weather events have prompted officials to urge winter preparedness, with the Oregon Department of Transportation hosting its annual winter preparation conference and Mayor Keith Wilson emphasizing the importance of community support during severe weather conditions. A minor earthquake of magnitude 1.5 was recorded in Oregon on November 19, according to Volcano Discovery.
Looking ahead, listeners can expect continued debate over the transportation tax package, further updates on the state’s budget and economic recovery, and ongoing developments in public health and infrastructure projects. The state’s business climate and employment trends will also remain key topics as Oregon navigates its economic challenges.
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