Williams is a life-long taxpayer advocate who has archived the state’s largest collection of government waste. Jason heads both the Taxpayer Association of Oregon Foundation and its sister organization, Taxpayer Association of Oregon.

A defining year for Clackamas County Transportation

A defining year for Clackamas Coutny Transportation By Oregon Tax News, Thsi fall, Clackamas County residents may have the opportunity to vote on a ballot measure that would require voter approval for Clackamas County’s participation in the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project (PMLR). Specifically, ballot measure 3-401 requires county officials to get voter approval before spending…

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Natural Resource Legislative Review 2012

Natural Resource Legislative Review 2012 This report aims to look at Legislative impact of the 2012 Session on natural resource issues which is increasingly important as several issues relate to public and livestsock safety from wildlife harm and also the effectiveness of Oregon’s various agencies that currently spends over $800 million to manage its natural…

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Financial changes reshape American media

By Oregon Tax News There are huge trends and shifts in the media and it impacts how people consume their news. 1. Big U.S. media companies bought back record amounts of their own shares in the last year. Cable television networks drew strong viewership and advertising dollars, generating cash despite economic uncertainty. News Corp, Time…

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6 things to know about gas prices

By Oregon Tax News, Record high gas prices are expected to hit new records in the coming months. Below are a few questions and answers to better understand the current impact of high prices and what lies ahead as summer approaches: 1. How High Will Gas Prices Go? Gas prices have recently stalled, plateauing around…

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Post office closing in Salem, Eugene & Bend

Post office to close offices in Bend, Salem & Eugene. By Oregon Tax News, The U.S. Postal Service is making a few concessions to efficiency and closing four mail sorting centers in Oregon, part of its campaign to slash costs by closing more than 260 mail processing places nationwide. The Oregon facilities—located in Bend, Salem,…

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Oregon’s Zoo & Convention Center losing revenue

Oregon’s Zoo & Convention Center losing revenue By Oregon Tax News Taxpayer-funded zoos and convention centers across the country are losing money. The Oregon Zoo and Convention Center are no exception. The Portland Business Journal recently cited an independent review conducted by Tampa-based Crossroads Consulting showing the Zoo and Convention Center contributed to a nearly…

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Oregon health job loss: OHSU & Legacy

Oregon health job loss: OHSU & Legacy By Oregon Tax News Hundreds of health care related jobs in the Portland Metro area are being cut and more losses could be on the way if state reforms fail to produce savings promised by lawmakers. In mid-December, KPTV reported that Legacy Health Systems plans to cut as…

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Boeing & union close to long awaited agreement

By Oregon Tax News, The Boeing Company has avoided another costly strike after a critical deal was struck between executives and union leaders that both are calling a “win-win.” Under an agreement forged last week and ratified by Machinist union members on Wednesday, Boeing will move ahead with a new, non-union plant in South Carolina…

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Foreclosures Still Plague Oregon Housing Market

Foreclosures Still Plague Oregon Housing Market Account for One in Three Home Sales By Oregon Tax News Foreclosures continue to flood Oregon’s housing market and accounted for one-third of all home sales this spring. At 33 percent, Oregon’s housing market is in the top 10 in terms of foreclosed homes as a percentage of all…

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Does the Post Office need a bailout?

Could a Bailout Save the Postal Industry? By Oregon Tax News, A 2010 GAO report detailed that the U.S. Postal Service is on the brink of an economic meltdown. There have been serious calls to save costs by ending Saturday service and to close nearly 2,000 office. Oregon has over 40 post offices on the…

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