economy

As an economic measure, unemployment is everyone's go-to statistic - and with Oregon's unemployment rate finally below 9 percent, there are signs that the economy is looking up. But this rate declined partly because some are giving up the job search. Moreover, the state's economic index just fell for the fourth month in a row - a trend that has, in the past, preceded state recession.

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FF Audio 2012-01-27 Econ Forecast 2012 MP3.MP3

The Oregon State Treasury plays a critical role in securing and enhancing the financial health of the state and its residents. Treasury decisions impact income for schools and public institutions, retirement benefits for public employees, college savings for families and loans for small businesses. With the economic downturn in 2008 and the more recent volatility in the stock market, proper management of state funds is all the more crucial.

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FF Audio 2011-09-09 Ted Wheeler MP3.mp3

Oregonians are notoriously anti-sales tax — but at what cost? State services, such as public safety and education, must rely heavily on property taxes and unstable income taxes. With the recent economic downturn, this has required massive service cuts to keep the state budget balanced.

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FF Audio 2011-05-06 Revenue MP3.mp3

Growing the Oregon economy will require savvy and creative thinking – and the drive to turn ideas into action. On April 8, Friday Forum speaker Karla Chambers will highlight novel ideas for growing Oregon’s private sector economy, which is also essential to the state’s long-term fiscal health and its ability to provide key public services.

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FF Audio 2011-04-08 EcoDevo MP3.mp3

Oregon’s unemployment rate has been stuck at 10.5 percent or higher since early in the “great recession.” California is the only neighboring state experiencing greater unemployment pain; in Washington and Idaho, unemployment falls below the national average. Furthermore, a recent economic study reveals that the Portland regional economy suffers from lagging personal income and wages, and has fallen behind peer regions like Denver, Minneapolis and Seattle.

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FF Audio 2011-01-28 Putting OR Back to Work MP3.mp3

The economic downturn and dramatic accompanying drop in state revenue means that Oregon’s public schools will be forced to tighten their already snug belts. But school reform can happen in many ways, and the dire economic situation need not prevent the Legislature from focusing on ways to improve public education this year and in 2010.

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2009.02.20 CC Copy.mp3

Although Oregon appears to have reached its economic nadir, the climb from the abyss will likely be long and slow. Though there are some bright spots, like Intel’s announcement of a multibillion dollar investment in Oregon, persistent challenges, such as the state’s relatively low per capita income, remain.

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FF Audio 2011-01-14 Econ Forecast MP3.mp3

Oregon forests have long helped sustain the state’s water, air and wildlife — but they have also played a significant role in job creation and economic prosperity. Finding a balance between environmental protection and economic return is an ongoing challenge.

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FF Audio 2010-12-10 Oregon Forests.mp3

The 2010 census will determine Oregon’s share of more than $400 billion in federal funds for schools, hospitals, job training and more. Census data also provides facts that help with research and advocacy on topics ranging from disease prevention to disaster preparedness.

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FF Audio 2010-02-26 Census 2010.mp3

Though no longer officially in a recession, Oregon continues to struggle with high unemployment, a sluggish housing market and – depending on the outcome of the votes for Measures 66 and 67 – a potential $700 million dollar hole in the state budget.

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FF Audio 2010-01-15 Econ Forecast 2010.mp3