Policy for the People Thu, 14 May 2026 14:05:13 -0400 http://ocpp.org en-us © 2026 Policy for the People yes Support this Podcast 6ab9db2a-6e28-5367-a46d-535379ae414f Oregon Center for Public Policy episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) oregon economy, oregon tax policy, racial equity, oregon center for public policy, income inequality, poverty, progressive politics Oregon Center for Public Policy https://storage.buzzsprout.com/sc7u4xf6dil3vq22jnur88f885av?.jpg Policy for the People http://ocpp.org Workers Across Oregon Are Demanding Unions Workers Across Oregon Are Demanding Unions In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers across the country began organizing at levels not seen in years. From Starbucks to Amazon, employees pushed back against low wages and poor working conditions — and Oregon workers are part of that movement.

One group of Oregon workers who successfully fought to unionize are the workers at Serenity Hospice in Eugene. In this episode of Policy for the People, we hear their story, from what got them to start organizing, to what it took to win their first contract.

We also take a big picture look at labor activity in Oregon.  Kathy Lara of the Oregon Center for Public Policy breaks down the latest figures on worker organizing, why unions continue to matter for wages and workplace standards, and the barriers workers still face when trying to organize.

Listen to the episode.


Prefer to read? Transcript



Support the show

]]> In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers across the country began organizing at levels not seen in years. From Starbucks to Amazon, employees pushed back against low wages and poor working conditions — and Oregon workers are part of that movement.

One group of Oregon workers who successfully fought to unionize are the workers at Serenity Hospice in Eugene. In this episode of Policy for the People, we hear their story, from what got them to start organizing, to what it took to win their first contract.

We also take a big picture look at labor activity in Oregon.  Kathy Lara of the Oregon Center for Public Policy breaks down the latest figures on worker organizing, why unions continue to matter for wages and workplace standards, and the barriers workers still face when trying to organize.

Listen to the episode.


Prefer to read? Transcript



Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-19141707 Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 -0700 1700 full false The Myth of Oregon's "Bad Business Climate" The Myth of Oregon's "Bad Business Climate" The big business lobby constantly complains that Oregon’s “business climate” is terrible, but what does the data actually show? 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we dig into one of the most common myths about Oregon’s economy: that the state has a bad business climate.

Economist Joe Cortright of City Observatory joins the show to break it all down. Drawing on national data and decades of experience, Cortright explains why the claims by the business community about Oregon’s “business climate” don’t hold up — and why Oregon’s economy has actually performed quite well compared to other states.

Support the show

]]> The big business lobby constantly complains that Oregon’s “business climate” is terrible, but what does the data actually show? 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we dig into one of the most common myths about Oregon’s economy: that the state has a bad business climate.

Economist Joe Cortright of City Observatory joins the show to break it all down. Drawing on national data and decades of experience, Cortright explains why the claims by the business community about Oregon’s “business climate” don’t hold up — and why Oregon’s economy has actually performed quite well compared to other states.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-19057055 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700 1712 full false Tobias Read on How Oregon Is Resisting Trump’s Voting Crackdown Tobias Read on How Oregon Is Resisting Trump’s Voting Crackdown In this episode, Alejandro Queral of the Oregon Center for Public Policy speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, the state’s chief elections officer, on efforts by the Trump administration to make it harder for people to vote. These efforts include the SAVE Act, which imposes costs and barriers on voters, as well as changes to the rules by which the U.S. Postal Service postmarks mail, which has big implications for Oregon’s vote-by-mail system. Their discussion also discusses the influence of money in politics, especially at a time of extreme economic inequality.

Support the show

]]> In this episode, Alejandro Queral of the Oregon Center for Public Policy speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, the state’s chief elections officer, on efforts by the Trump administration to make it harder for people to vote. These efforts include the SAVE Act, which imposes costs and barriers on voters, as well as changes to the rules by which the U.S. Postal Service postmarks mail, which has big implications for Oregon’s vote-by-mail system. Their discussion also discusses the influence of money in politics, especially at a time of extreme economic inequality.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18984012 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0700 1658 tobias read, oregon secretary of state, vote-by-mail, SAVE Act, postmarking rule, oregon elections full false “We’ve Been Very Foolish”: Inside Oregon’s Data Center Boom “We’ve Been Very Foolish”: Inside Oregon’s Data Center Boom Oregon is one of the nation’s top destinations for data centers, attracted by the state’s cheap power and favorable climate. Despite the state being an ideal location for data centers, Oregon and communities like Hillsboro in Washington County have been doling out massive tax subsidies to the corporate owners of data centers. That has been a very foolish thing to do, says Dirk Knudsen, a real estate broker and editor of the Hillsboro Herald. Dirk has followed closely the rise of data centers in Hillsboro. In this episode of Policy for the People, Dirk shares what he’s learned about the data center boom.

Support the show

]]> Oregon is one of the nation’s top destinations for data centers, attracted by the state’s cheap power and favorable climate. Despite the state being an ideal location for data centers, Oregon and communities like Hillsboro in Washington County have been doling out massive tax subsidies to the corporate owners of data centers. That has been a very foolish thing to do, says Dirk Knudsen, a real estate broker and editor of the Hillsboro Herald. Dirk has followed closely the rise of data centers in Hillsboro. In this episode of Policy for the People, Dirk shares what he’s learned about the data center boom.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-18829653 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0700 1707 data centers, hillsboro, HB 4084, dirk knudsen full false Oregon Child Care Crisis: How ERDC Running Out of Funds Could Hurt 12,000 Families Oregon Child Care Crisis: How ERDC Running Out of Funds Could Hurt 12,000 Families Oregon's subsidized child care program, Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), is on course to run out of money in less than a year. If that happens, thousands of families would lose child care, and with that, the ability of parents to work. That would be catastrophic for families and the state, explain our two guests: Marchel Kaleikini and Ivy Major-McDowall of For All Families Oregon.

Marchel and Ivy discuss the state of child care in Oregon, why ERDC is such a vital program, and what the Oregon legislature needs to do to ensure families don't lose child care.

Support the show

]]> Oregon's subsidized child care program, Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), is on course to run out of money in less than a year. If that happens, thousands of families would lose child care, and with that, the ability of parents to work. That would be catastrophic for families and the state, explain our two guests: Marchel Kaleikini and Ivy Major-McDowall of For All Families Oregon.

Marchel and Ivy discuss the state of child care in Oregon, why ERDC is such a vital program, and what the Oregon legislature needs to do to ensure families don't lose child care.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-18665847 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0800 1766 Employment Related Day Care, ERDC, For All Families Oregon, Oregon legislature, child care full false Underpaid, Overworked, and Essential: Oregon’s Long-Term Care Crisis Underpaid, Overworked, and Essential: Oregon’s Long-Term Care Crisis As the number of elderly Oregonians surpasses the number of children, demand for long-term care is rising. But the workers who provide this essential care are underpaid, overworked, and leaving the industry at alarming rates. 

Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503, which represents tens of thousands of long-term care workers across Oregon, describes the physically and emotionally demanding nature of care work, the low wages and poor benefits many workers face, and the devastating impact of high turnover on both workers and the seniors and people with disabilities they care for.

The episode also explores a potential policy solution: workforce standards boards. David Madland of the Center for American Progress explains how these boards work, where they’ve already been implemented, and how they could help stabilize Oregon’s long-term care workforce.

Support the show

]]> As the number of elderly Oregonians surpasses the number of children, demand for long-term care is rising. But the workers who provide this essential care are underpaid, overworked, and leaving the industry at alarming rates. 

Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503, which represents tens of thousands of long-term care workers across Oregon, describes the physically and emotionally demanding nature of care work, the low wages and poor benefits many workers face, and the devastating impact of high turnover on both workers and the seniors and people with disabilities they care for.

The episode also explores a potential policy solution: workforce standards boards. David Madland of the Center for American Progress explains how these boards work, where they’ve already been implemented, and how they could help stabilize Oregon’s long-term care workforce.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18457150 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0800 1754 full false Income Inequality in Oregon: What Does the Latest Data Show? Income Inequality in Oregon: What Does the Latest Data Show? We break down the latest data on income inequality in Oregon. OCPP policy analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains that the gap separating the rich and everyone else remains vast, even with the dip in income inequality seen in the two years following the peak set in 2021. That dip may have already reversed, given that the job-market factors driving the decline during the pandemic years have disappeared. And going forward, the budget bill enacted by the Republican majority in Congress earlier this year — a package containing massive tax cuts mainly benefiting the rich — threatens to worsen inequality in the years to come.

Tyler highlights the long-term trends since 1980, the impact of inequality on health, economic mobility, and democracy, and why today’s disparities are the result of policy choices—not inevitability.

For more information, read our recent report.

Support the show

]]> We break down the latest data on income inequality in Oregon. OCPP policy analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains that the gap separating the rich and everyone else remains vast, even with the dip in income inequality seen in the two years following the peak set in 2021. That dip may have already reversed, given that the job-market factors driving the decline during the pandemic years have disappeared. And going forward, the budget bill enacted by the Republican majority in Congress earlier this year — a package containing massive tax cuts mainly benefiting the rich — threatens to worsen inequality in the years to come.

Tyler highlights the long-term trends since 1980, the impact of inequality on health, economic mobility, and democracy, and why today’s disparities are the result of policy choices—not inevitability.

For more information, read our recent report.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-18333726 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0800 1700 income inequality in Oregon, wealth inequality, top 1%, median income in Oregon full false How Trump Is Hiding Hunger and Why Poverty Persists How Trump Is Hiding Hunger and Why Poverty Persists In this episode, we examine how the Trump administration’s decision to end the federal food security report threatens to hide the reality of hunger in America. Oregon Center for Public Policy analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains what losing this data means for families and policymakers, while Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality executive director Lelaine Bigelow discusses why poverty endures in one of the richest nations in history—and what it would take to end it.

From data suppression to policy failure, this conversation reveals how political choices keep millions struggling to feed their families—and how we can fight back.

Support the show

]]> In this episode, we examine how the Trump administration’s decision to end the federal food security report threatens to hide the reality of hunger in America. Oregon Center for Public Policy analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains what losing this data means for families and policymakers, while Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality executive director Lelaine Bigelow discusses why poverty endures in one of the richest nations in history—and what it would take to end it.

From data suppression to policy failure, this conversation reveals how political choices keep millions struggling to feed their families—and how we can fight back.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-18167097 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0800 1685 hunger, poverty, food security report, trump administration, usda food insecurity report, one big beautiful bill, h.r. 1, republican budget bill full false How big corporations hide their profits — and how to stop it How big corporations hide their profits — and how to stop it Starbucks does more business in Oregon than in just about any corner of the world. For one, the U.S. is the largest market for the world’s largest coffee chain.  And in the U.S., there are more Starbucks stores per capita in Oregon than any other state.

So how much in profits does Starbucks make in Oregon and how much does it pay in taxes to the state? We don’t know. That information is secret. But one thing we do know is that Starbucks uses accounting tricks to keep its profits from being taxed where they were made. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we look into how big corporations like Starbucks hide their profits to avoid taxes. Jason Ward of Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research and Spandan Marasini of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy share stories about corporate tax avoidance and their insight into what to do about it. 

Support the show

]]> Starbucks does more business in Oregon than in just about any corner of the world. For one, the U.S. is the largest market for the world’s largest coffee chain.  And in the U.S., there are more Starbucks stores per capita in Oregon than any other state.

So how much in profits does Starbucks make in Oregon and how much does it pay in taxes to the state? We don’t know. That information is secret. But one thing we do know is that Starbucks uses accounting tricks to keep its profits from being taxed where they were made. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we look into how big corporations like Starbucks hide their profits to avoid taxes. Jason Ward of Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research and Spandan Marasini of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy share stories about corporate tax avoidance and their insight into what to do about it. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17979441 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1696 corporate tax avoidance, offshore tax havens, starbucks, pfizer, tax dodging, corporate tax dodging, Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy full false Behind the Wheel: Drivers Union OR’s Fight for Better Pay & Rights Behind the Wheel: Drivers Union OR’s Fight for Better Pay & Rights Rideshare drivers have had enough. Confronting low pay and tough working conditions, drivers for Uber and Lyft are organizing and fighting to change public policy. In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Nathaniel Hudson-Hartman and Joe Jackson, rideshare drivers and organizers with Drivers Union OR, about the realities of the industry and how drivers are fighting back. 

Support the show

]]> Rideshare drivers have had enough. Confronting low pay and tough working conditions, drivers for Uber and Lyft are organizing and fighting to change public policy. In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Nathaniel Hudson-Hartman and Joe Jackson, rideshare drivers and organizers with Drivers Union OR, about the realities of the industry and how drivers are fighting back. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17820071 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1683 drivers union or, rideshare drivers, uber, lyft, working conditions full false Progress undone? Big federal bill threatens Oregon’s healthcare gains Progress undone? Big federal bill threatens Oregon’s healthcare gains  Much of the progress Oregon has made in expanding health care access is at risk as a result of the federal budget reconciliation bill enacted by Congress.  In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss the past, present and future of Oregon’s system of health care, including the threats posed by the federal budget reconciliation bill. Our guest is Dr. Bruce Goldberg. Bruce is a professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and a nationally recognized health policy expert. 

Support the show

]]>  Much of the progress Oregon has made in expanding health care access is at risk as a result of the federal budget reconciliation bill enacted by Congress.  In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss the past, present and future of Oregon’s system of health care, including the threats posed by the federal budget reconciliation bill. Our guest is Dr. Bruce Goldberg. Bruce is a professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and a nationally recognized health policy expert. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17644614 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1683 full false A disaster for struggling families A disaster for struggling families It's hard to overstate the danger that lies ahead for many families in Oregon and across the country, especially the families already struggling the most to stay afloat economically, as a result of the budget reconciliation law passed by Congress. This law will leave many Oregon families less healthy, hungrier and poorer.

Support the show

]]> It's hard to overstate the danger that lies ahead for many families in Oregon and across the country, especially the families already struggling the most to stay afloat economically, as a result of the budget reconciliation law passed by Congress. This law will leave many Oregon families less healthy, hungrier and poorer.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17466507 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1685 reconciliation bill, one big beautiful bill, medicaid, snap, nutrition assistance, child tax credit, oregon full false Another harm from the monstrous U.S. House reconciliation bill: less state revenue Another harm from the monstrous U.S. House reconciliation bill: less state revenue The reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House is truly monstrous, slashing health care and nutrition assistance to help pay for tax cuts that mainly would go to the rich. But there's more harm that would flow from the bill.

One thing that hasn't gotten a lot of attention is the fact that the reconciliation bill threatens to shrink Oregon revenue collections, due to the way our state tax code connects to the federal tax code. As OCPP Deputy Director Daniel Hauser explains in this episode of Policy for the People, if the US House reconciliation bill becomes law and the Oregon legislature does nothing, Oregon will end up having less money to address the needs of Oregonians, just when there will be greater need due to the federal cuts to health care and nutrition assistance. 

Support the show

]]> The reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House is truly monstrous, slashing health care and nutrition assistance to help pay for tax cuts that mainly would go to the rich. But there's more harm that would flow from the bill.

One thing that hasn't gotten a lot of attention is the fact that the reconciliation bill threatens to shrink Oregon revenue collections, due to the way our state tax code connects to the federal tax code. As OCPP Deputy Director Daniel Hauser explains in this episode of Policy for the People, if the US House reconciliation bill becomes law and the Oregon legislature does nothing, Oregon will end up having less money to address the needs of Oregonians, just when there will be greater need due to the federal cuts to health care and nutrition assistance. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17322117 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1618 one big beautiful bill, reconciliation bill, rolling reconnect, oregon tax connection to federal tax code, no taxes on overtime pay, policy for the people full false “This is a terrible bill”: Rep. Salinas discusses House tax and budget package “This is a terrible bill”: Rep. Salinas discusses House tax and budget package Just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill – a massive tax and budget package. If this bill ultimately becomes law, it will – among other things – force deep cuts to safety net programs, especially Medicaid and nutrition assistance.

One of the members of Congress who voted no on the bill was Representative Andrea Salinas, who represents Oregon’s 6th Congressional District.

We spoke with Representative Salinas about what the budget reconciliation bill would mean for Oregonians and the people of this country.

Support the show

]]> Just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill – a massive tax and budget package. If this bill ultimately becomes law, it will – among other things – force deep cuts to safety net programs, especially Medicaid and nutrition assistance.

One of the members of Congress who voted no on the bill was Representative Andrea Salinas, who represents Oregon’s 6th Congressional District.

We spoke with Representative Salinas about what the budget reconciliation bill would mean for Oregonians and the people of this country.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17249551 Fri, 30 May 2025 11:00:00 -0700 953 full false Already alarming, hunger in Oregon is set to worsen due to Trump administration actions Already alarming, hunger in Oregon is set to worsen due to Trump administration actions Food banks across Oregon are seeing record numbers of people coming in through their doors. Ever since the pandemic, the rising cost of living has been making it harder for families to afford food. 

And now, at a time when there is a hunger crisis going on, actions by the Trump administration and Congress threaten to make matters worse – far worse.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we examine the dire state of hunger in Oregon. Our guest is with Andrea Williams, President of the Oregon Food Bank. Andrea discusses what food pantries in Oregon are seeing, the actions by the Trump administration that have cut support for food bank networks across the country, and the risk that Congress may weaken the nation’s most important nutrition program.

We also talk about the kinds of policy changes that can take us in a better direction, including Food For All Oregonians, a policy that would ensure that all young children in Oregon, regardless of their immigration status, have access to nutrition assistance. It is a policy proposal premised on the recognition that food is a human right.

Support the show

]]> Food banks across Oregon are seeing record numbers of people coming in through their doors. Ever since the pandemic, the rising cost of living has been making it harder for families to afford food. 

And now, at a time when there is a hunger crisis going on, actions by the Trump administration and Congress threaten to make matters worse – far worse.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we examine the dire state of hunger in Oregon. Our guest is with Andrea Williams, President of the Oregon Food Bank. Andrea discusses what food pantries in Oregon are seeing, the actions by the Trump administration that have cut support for food bank networks across the country, and the risk that Congress may weaken the nation’s most important nutrition program.

We also talk about the kinds of policy changes that can take us in a better direction, including Food For All Oregonians, a policy that would ensure that all young children in Oregon, regardless of their immigration status, have access to nutrition assistance. It is a policy proposal premised on the recognition that food is a human right.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17111041 Thu, 08 May 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1703 full false May Day special: the state of the labor movement May Day special: the state of the labor movement In celebration of May Day, International Workers Day, we are issuing this special episode of Policy for the People examining the state of the labor movement. Our guest is Don McIntosh, editor of the Northwest Labor Press, who has been reporting about the labor movement for over two decades. Don discusses the present state of the labor movement, what the Trump Administration means for organized labor, and the policy changes that would remove the barriers that workers face when seeking to form a union.

Support the show

]]> In celebration of May Day, International Workers Day, we are issuing this special episode of Policy for the People examining the state of the labor movement. Our guest is Don McIntosh, editor of the Northwest Labor Press, who has been reporting about the labor movement for over two decades. Don discusses the present state of the labor movement, what the Trump Administration means for organized labor, and the policy changes that would remove the barriers that workers face when seeking to form a union.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-17059629 Thu, 01 May 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1713 full false Senator Wyden on the Trump tax plan: “It’s going to cause a lot of hardship” Senator Wyden on the Trump tax plan: “It’s going to cause a lot of hardship” Right now, the Republican controlled Congress is speeding down a path that would raise costs for food and health care for millions of families by taking away Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. It would do so in order to help pay for massive tax cuts primarily benefiting the most well-off, including millionaires and billionaires.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Oregon Senator Ron Wyden about what the budget blueprint currently being discussed in Congress means for Oregonians and the nation. 

We also speak with Steve Wamhoff, Federal Policy Director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, about his recent report titled: Federal Tax Policy: What Should It Accomplish? In it he argues that our federal government needs to raise more revenue, not less, and do so in a progressive way. In other words, we need to go in the opposite direction from the current plan in Congress.

Support the show

]]> Right now, the Republican controlled Congress is speeding down a path that would raise costs for food and health care for millions of families by taking away Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. It would do so in order to help pay for massive tax cuts primarily benefiting the most well-off, including millionaires and billionaires.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Oregon Senator Ron Wyden about what the budget blueprint currently being discussed in Congress means for Oregonians and the nation. 

We also speak with Steve Wamhoff, Federal Policy Director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, about his recent report titled: Federal Tax Policy: What Should It Accomplish? In it he argues that our federal government needs to raise more revenue, not less, and do so in a progressive way. In other words, we need to go in the opposite direction from the current plan in Congress.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16946112 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1716 Trump tax plan, Senator Ron Wyden, federal tax policy, medicaid, supplemental nutrition assistance, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Steve Wamhoff, full false How to improve pay and working conditions in entire industries in one fell swoop How to improve pay and working conditions in entire industries in one fell swoop The revival of an old idea is offering hope for improving pay and working conditions in entire industries all at once. That policy is often referred to as Workforce Standards Boards.

In this episode of Policy for the People, Ira Cuello-Martinez of PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, discusses the tough working conditions that farmworkers in Oregon endure, and why the creation of a Workforce Standards Board for farmworkers – something currently under discussion in Salem – could be a real game changer.

Then, David Madland of the Center for American Progress explains the benefits of Workforce Standards Boards and why there’s been a resurgence of interest in this policy.

Support the show

]]> The revival of an old idea is offering hope for improving pay and working conditions in entire industries all at once. That policy is often referred to as Workforce Standards Boards.

In this episode of Policy for the People, Ira Cuello-Martinez of PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, discusses the tough working conditions that farmworkers in Oregon endure, and why the creation of a Workforce Standards Board for farmworkers – something currently under discussion in Salem – could be a real game changer.

Then, David Madland of the Center for American Progress explains the benefits of Workforce Standards Boards and why there’s been a resurgence of interest in this policy.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16774478 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0700 1706 workforce standards boards, wage boards, industry boards, PCUN, farmworkers, david madland full false Two things that are making tax filing easy and free for Oregonians Two things that are making tax filing easy and free for Oregonians For some Oregonians, the complexity and cost involved in tax filing is a barrier to doing their taxes. Oregonians who would be due a tax refund, who would get money back by filing a tax return, don't receive those dollars because they're unable to navigate the complicated process of preparing and filing a tax return.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss two initiatives that are making tax filing easy and free. The first is Direct File. This online tool created by the IRS is now available to eligible Oregonians, explains Tyler Mac Innis of the Oregon Center for Public Policy.

The second thing is Oregon's Tax Infrastructure Grant program, a network of organizations that rely on trained volunteers to help low- and moderate-income Oregonians prepare and file their taxes. Riley Eldredge of MFS CASH Oregon, one of the organizations that are part of this network, discusses how free tax assistance can make a big difference in the lives of Oregonians, and why Oregon's Tax Infrastructure Grant program has a huge return on investment. 

Support the show

]]> For some Oregonians, the complexity and cost involved in tax filing is a barrier to doing their taxes. Oregonians who would be due a tax refund, who would get money back by filing a tax return, don't receive those dollars because they're unable to navigate the complicated process of preparing and filing a tax return.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss two initiatives that are making tax filing easy and free. The first is Direct File. This online tool created by the IRS is now available to eligible Oregonians, explains Tyler Mac Innis of the Oregon Center for Public Policy.

The second thing is Oregon's Tax Infrastructure Grant program, a network of organizations that rely on trained volunteers to help low- and moderate-income Oregonians prepare and file their taxes. Riley Eldredge of MFS CASH Oregon, one of the organizations that are part of this network, discusses how free tax assistance can make a big difference in the lives of Oregonians, and why Oregon's Tax Infrastructure Grant program has a huge return on investment. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16598075 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0800 1702 direct file, tax infrastructure grant program, hb 2991, mfs cash oregon full false Age discrimination in the workplace is a big problem Oregon needs to deal with Age discrimination in the workplace is a big problem Oregon needs to deal with Oregon’s workforce is getting older, as more and more Oregonians continue to work into their later years of life. But many older workers run up against age discrimination. Age discrimination in the workplace is prevalent in Oregon and nationally, according to research by AARP. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the issue of age discrimination in the workplace. Our guest is Andrea Meyer, Director of Government Relations at AARP Oregon. We discuss how pervasive the problem of age discrimination in the workplace is, its consequences, and what Oregon can do to address the problem.

Support the show

]]> Oregon’s workforce is getting older, as more and more Oregonians continue to work into their later years of life. But many older workers run up against age discrimination. Age discrimination in the workplace is prevalent in Oregon and nationally, according to research by AARP. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the issue of age discrimination in the workplace. Our guest is Andrea Meyer, Director of Government Relations at AARP Oregon. We discuss how pervasive the problem of age discrimination in the workplace is, its consequences, and what Oregon can do to address the problem.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16398597 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0800 1591 age discrimination in the workplace, aarp, aarp oregon, aging workforce full false Guaranteed income is an idea whose time has come Guaranteed income is an idea whose time has come For families struggling to pay the bills, for parents juggling multiple jobs to try to keep things afloat, small amounts of cash can make the difference between making it or not, between having some breathing space or being suffocated by the daily grind. Simply giving cash to families in need is very effective at improving economic and mental well-being.

That’s a key takeaway from the many experiments with cash programs – guaranteed income – that have been playing out all across the country (and here in Oregon) over the past few years.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the policy known as guaranteed income, an idea whose time has come. First, we speak with Shafeka Hashash, Associate Director of Guaranteed Income at the Economic Security Project, about the experiments with guaranteed income that we’ve been seeing in communities across the country, and what they teach us. 

Then we take a look at a guaranteed income pilot program right here in Oregon. We speak with Brandi Tuck of Path Home, who says that cash programs have the power to lift families out of poverty for good.

Support the show

]]> For families struggling to pay the bills, for parents juggling multiple jobs to try to keep things afloat, small amounts of cash can make the difference between making it or not, between having some breathing space or being suffocated by the daily grind. Simply giving cash to families in need is very effective at improving economic and mental well-being.

That’s a key takeaway from the many experiments with cash programs – guaranteed income – that have been playing out all across the country (and here in Oregon) over the past few years.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the policy known as guaranteed income, an idea whose time has come. First, we speak with Shafeka Hashash, Associate Director of Guaranteed Income at the Economic Security Project, about the experiments with guaranteed income that we’ve been seeing in communities across the country, and what they teach us. 

Then we take a look at a guaranteed income pilot program right here in Oregon. We speak with Brandi Tuck of Path Home, who says that cash programs have the power to lift families out of poverty for good.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16211417 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0800 1757 guaranteed income, basic income, cash transfers, cash policies, path home, economic security project full false The crisis facing the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries The crisis facing the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries “The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens worker protections and civil rights enforcement in the state,” according to the Bureau itself.  In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson about the funding crisis that BOLI faces, and what that means for the economic well-being of working Oregonians.

We also speak with Jake Barnes of the Workplace Justice Lab at Rutgers University. He is the co-author of a recent report estimating the extent to which workers get paid less than the legally required minimum wage.

Support the show

]]> “The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens worker protections and civil rights enforcement in the state,” according to the Bureau itself.  In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson about the funding crisis that BOLI faces, and what that means for the economic well-being of working Oregonians.

We also speak with Jake Barnes of the Workplace Justice Lab at Rutgers University. He is the co-author of a recent report estimating the extent to which workers get paid less than the legally required minimum wage.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-16049023 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0800 1769 oregon bureau of labor and industries, BOLI, labor commissioner christina stephenson, workplace justice lab at rutgers university, minimum wage violations full false Measure 116 would change who sets salaries for state elected officials Measure 116 would change who sets salaries for state elected officials How Oregon sets the salary of state legislators and other elected officials could soon change.  If enacted by voters, Measure 116 on the November ballot would take away from the Oregon legislature the responsibility for deciding how much lawmakers, the Governor, and other state elected officials get paid, and give that task to an independent salary commission. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with two supporters of Measure 116. Isabela Villarreal is Policy and Communications Manager for Next Up Action Fund. Robin Ye is Political and Strategy Director at East County Rising.

Support the show

]]> How Oregon sets the salary of state legislators and other elected officials could soon change.  If enacted by voters, Measure 116 on the November ballot would take away from the Oregon legislature the responsibility for deciding how much lawmakers, the Governor, and other state elected officials get paid, and give that task to an independent salary commission. 

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with two supporters of Measure 116. Isabela Villarreal is Policy and Communications Manager for Next Up Action Fund. Robin Ye is Political and Strategy Director at East County Rising.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15939334 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1571 Measure 116, Oregon Measure 116, independent salary commission, East County Rising, Next Up Action Fund, full false No taxes on tips is a bad idea. And where does tipping come from anyway? No taxes on tips is a bad idea. And where does tipping come from anyway? Echoing statements from both presidential candidates, one Oregon State Senator recently put forward the idea of exempting tips from Oregon income taxes. But is exempting tips from taxes a good idea?  

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the idea of no taxes on tips. Daniel Hauser, Deputy Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, explains that exempting tips from taxes would do little to improve the economic security of struggling workers, while making our tax system less fair.

We also examine the origins of the practice of tipping. Nina Mast of the Economic Policy Institute discusses how tipping is a legacy of our nation’s deeply racist past, and what that means for workers today. 

Support the show

]]> Echoing statements from both presidential candidates, one Oregon State Senator recently put forward the idea of exempting tips from Oregon income taxes. But is exempting tips from taxes a good idea?  

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the idea of no taxes on tips. Daniel Hauser, Deputy Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, explains that exempting tips from taxes would do little to improve the economic security of struggling workers, while making our tax system less fair.

We also examine the origins of the practice of tipping. Nina Mast of the Economic Policy Institute discusses how tipping is a legacy of our nation’s deeply racist past, and what that means for workers today. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15898100 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1711 no taxes on tips, taxing tips, racist history of tipping, sub minimum wage, tipped credit full false What Measure 118 gets right and what it doesn't What Measure 118 gets right and what it doesn't Measure 118 will be one of the most closely watched measures on the November ballot.  Known as “The Oregon Rebate,” the measure would make it so that each year, every resident of Oregon gets a rebate from the state. To pay for these rebates, the measure would institute one of the biggest changes to Oregon’s tax system in decades.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we take a deep dive into Measure 118. Daniel Hauser, OCPP's Deputy Director, discusses what Measure 118 gets right, and what it doesn’t.

Support the show

]]> Measure 118 will be one of the most closely watched measures on the November ballot.  Known as “The Oregon Rebate,” the measure would make it so that each year, every resident of Oregon gets a rebate from the state. To pay for these rebates, the measure would institute one of the biggest changes to Oregon’s tax system in decades.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we take a deep dive into Measure 118. Daniel Hauser, OCPP's Deputy Director, discusses what Measure 118 gets right, and what it doesn’t.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15731364 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1713 measure 118, oregon measure 118, oregon rebate, oregon people's rebate, oregon corporate minimum tax full false Rewind: Tax extreme wealth to save our democracy Rewind: Tax extreme wealth to save our democracy Last month saw yet another record in terms of the fortunes held by the nation's superrich. In July 2024, the roughly 800 billionaires in the U.S. were collectively worth about $6 trillion, the highest amount ever. In light of this, it seemed like a good time to replay a prior episode of Policy for the People examining the need to tax extreme wealth. In August of last year, Bob Lord of Patriotic Millionaires joined us to discuss why taxing the rich is essential in order to shrink inequality and save our democracy

Support the show

]]> Last month saw yet another record in terms of the fortunes held by the nation's superrich. In July 2024, the roughly 800 billionaires in the U.S. were collectively worth about $6 trillion, the highest amount ever. In light of this, it seemed like a good time to replay a prior episode of Policy for the People examining the need to tax extreme wealth. In August of last year, Bob Lord of Patriotic Millionaires joined us to discuss why taxing the rich is essential in order to shrink inequality and save our democracy

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy, Bob Lord, Patriotic Millionaires Buzzsprout-15535743 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1712 wealth tax, wealth inequality, patriotic millionaires full false Parts of the massive Trump tax cuts are expiring, providing an opportunity to change course Parts of the massive Trump tax cuts are expiring, providing an opportunity to change course Next year, 2025, is setting up to be a pivotal year when it comes to how our nation raises the money needed to pay for public services — things like health, housing, the nation’s safety net, and more.

The reason for this dates back to 2017. That year, Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, better known as the Trump tax cuts. This tax package contained massive changes to our tax system that mostly amounted to huge tax cuts for the rich and corporations. For procedural reasons, as well as to mask the true costs of these massive tax cuts, Congress made some parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporary. It gave them an expiration date. And that expiration date is 2025.

The expiration of parts of the Trump Tax plan offers an opportunity to reassess our nation’s tax policy, explains Samantha Jacoby, Deputy Director of Federal Tax Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 

Support the show

]]> Next year, 2025, is setting up to be a pivotal year when it comes to how our nation raises the money needed to pay for public services — things like health, housing, the nation’s safety net, and more.

The reason for this dates back to 2017. That year, Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, better known as the Trump tax cuts. This tax package contained massive changes to our tax system that mostly amounted to huge tax cuts for the rich and corporations. For procedural reasons, as well as to mask the true costs of these massive tax cuts, Congress made some parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporary. It gave them an expiration date. And that expiration date is 2025.

The expiration of parts of the Trump Tax plan offers an opportunity to reassess our nation’s tax policy, explains Samantha Jacoby, Deputy Director of Federal Tax Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15266315 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1699 trump tax cuts, tax cuts and jobs act, tcja, expiring tax cuts 47 full false Direct File is a big step toward simple and free tax filing Direct File is a big step toward simple and free tax filing Recently, the IRS announced that its Direct File program is expanding. This is a big deal.

Filing a tax return is complicated. It’s costly. This is a bad situation for everyone, especially families struggling to get by on low wages. The complexity and cost of filing taxes deters many low-income workers from claiming the tax credits for which they are eligible, undermining some of the nation’s core anti-poverty strategies.

But with Direct File, a new system is beginning to take shape, one that will provide a simple and free way for people to file their tax returns. Courtney O’Reilly, a Senior Program Manager on the Tax Benefits team at Code for America, explains what IRS Direct File is and why its expansion is an exciting development. Then, Daniel Hauser of the Oregon Center for Public Policy discusses what the situation looks like in Oregon – the harm inflicted on Oregonians from our complex and costly tax filing system, as well as efforts to create a better system.



Support the show

]]> Recently, the IRS announced that its Direct File program is expanding. This is a big deal.

Filing a tax return is complicated. It’s costly. This is a bad situation for everyone, especially families struggling to get by on low wages. The complexity and cost of filing taxes deters many low-income workers from claiming the tax credits for which they are eligible, undermining some of the nation’s core anti-poverty strategies.

But with Direct File, a new system is beginning to take shape, one that will provide a simple and free way for people to file their tax returns. Courtney O’Reilly, a Senior Program Manager on the Tax Benefits team at Code for America, explains what IRS Direct File is and why its expansion is an exciting development. Then, Daniel Hauser of the Oregon Center for Public Policy discusses what the situation looks like in Oregon – the harm inflicted on Oregonians from our complex and costly tax filing system, as well as efforts to create a better system.



Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15207037 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1704 46 full false Immigrants play a big role in Oregon’s economy + labor activity surges Immigrants play a big role in Oregon’s economy + labor activity surges The month of May began with the celebration of International Workers’ Day. May Day, as it’s often called, dates back to the late 19th Century, when labor movements that counted on heavy participation by immigrant workers agitated for better working conditions. Today in the U.S., May Day celebrates both the labor movement and the immigrant community.

In that spirit, this episode of Policy for the People focuses on both the labor movement and immigrants. Anthony Capote of the Immigration Research Initiative discusses the findings of a report he co-wrote titled Immigrants in the Oregon Economy: Overcoming Hurdles, Yet Still Facing Barriers. Also, Kathy Lara of the Oregon Center for Public Policy talks about the latest figures on labor activity in Oregon, as well as the challenges that workers seeking to form a union continue to encounter.

Support the show

]]> The month of May began with the celebration of International Workers’ Day. May Day, as it’s often called, dates back to the late 19th Century, when labor movements that counted on heavy participation by immigrant workers agitated for better working conditions. Today in the U.S., May Day celebrates both the labor movement and the immigrant community.

In that spirit, this episode of Policy for the People focuses on both the labor movement and immigrants. Anthony Capote of the Immigration Research Initiative discusses the findings of a report he co-wrote titled Immigrants in the Oregon Economy: Overcoming Hurdles, Yet Still Facing Barriers. Also, Kathy Lara of the Oregon Center for Public Policy talks about the latest figures on labor activity in Oregon, as well as the challenges that workers seeking to form a union continue to encounter.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-15035445 Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1714 immigrants in Oregon, labor surge, immigration research initiative 46 full false Tax Day focus: record-breaking kicker + the need for a well-funded IRS Tax Day focus: record-breaking kicker + the need for a well-funded IRS With tax season coming to an end, it’s a good moment to discuss the vital role that our tax system plays in our lives. At its best, the tax system makes the economy work better for everyone. At its worst, it deepens existing economic injustices.

In this episode, we focus on two aspects of the tax system.  First, we discuss Oregon’s record-breaking kicker, which is sending massive tax rebates to the rich, while giving little or nothing to those struggling the most. OCPP’s Daniel Hauser explains the policy and discusses how to make the kicker work better for Oregonians.

In the second half of the show, we focus on the importance of having a well-funded Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Joe Hughes from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy discusses the long-term erosion of the agency’s budget, as well as recent efforts to turn things around.

Support the show

]]> With tax season coming to an end, it’s a good moment to discuss the vital role that our tax system plays in our lives. At its best, the tax system makes the economy work better for everyone. At its worst, it deepens existing economic injustices.

In this episode, we focus on two aspects of the tax system.  First, we discuss Oregon’s record-breaking kicker, which is sending massive tax rebates to the rich, while giving little or nothing to those struggling the most. OCPP’s Daniel Hauser explains the policy and discusses how to make the kicker work better for Oregonians.

In the second half of the show, we focus on the importance of having a well-funded Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Joe Hughes from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy discusses the long-term erosion of the agency’s budget, as well as recent efforts to turn things around.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-14858127 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0700 1719 oregon kicker, kicker rebate, tax kicker, irs funding, irs budget, tax day 45 full false Unfair debt collection practices and child care funding in the legislative spotlight Unfair debt collection practices and child care funding in the legislative spotlight With lawmakers in Salem having wrapped up their work, we take a look at a couple of legislative developments that perhaps you have not heard about, but which could make a big difference in the economic well-being of many Oregonians.

We begin the show by discussing legislation that better protects Oregonians from unfair debt collection practices. Chris Coughlin, Policy Director at Oregon Consumer Justice, talks about the just-enacted Family Financial Protection Act.

In the latter half of the show, Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon, discusses an effort to get the legislature to put sufficient resources into a vital state child care program, Employment Related Day Care.

Support the show

]]> With lawmakers in Salem having wrapped up their work, we take a look at a couple of legislative developments that perhaps you have not heard about, but which could make a big difference in the economic well-being of many Oregonians.

We begin the show by discussing legislation that better protects Oregonians from unfair debt collection practices. Chris Coughlin, Policy Director at Oregon Consumer Justice, talks about the just-enacted Family Financial Protection Act.

In the latter half of the show, Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon, discusses an effort to get the legislature to put sufficient resources into a vital state child care program, Employment Related Day Care.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-14683996 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0700 1707 unfair debt collection practices, consumer debt, child care, erdc, oregon legislature, oregon consumer justice, family forward oregon 44 full false Oregon taxes and low-income families: good and bad news Oregon taxes and low-income families: good and bad news We’re talking taxes today on Policy for the People, specifically from the vantage point of the Oregonians with the fewest resources, those who are struggling the most to make ends meet. 

In our first segment, we hear about a brand new tax credit in Oregon designed to shore up the lowest-income families with young children in our state. Tyler Mac Innis of the Oregon Center for Public Policy explains who qualifies for the Oregon Kids’ Credit and why the creation of this new tax credit is a very good thing.

But despite the positive development that the Oregon Kids’ Credit represents, Oregon’s tax system as a whole is one that continues to weigh more heavily on the lowest income families than anyone else. Miles Trinidad of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy discusses the recently released report Who Pays? 

Support the show

]]> We’re talking taxes today on Policy for the People, specifically from the vantage point of the Oregonians with the fewest resources, those who are struggling the most to make ends meet. 

In our first segment, we hear about a brand new tax credit in Oregon designed to shore up the lowest-income families with young children in our state. Tyler Mac Innis of the Oregon Center for Public Policy explains who qualifies for the Oregon Kids’ Credit and why the creation of this new tax credit is a very good thing.

But despite the positive development that the Oregon Kids’ Credit represents, Oregon’s tax system as a whole is one that continues to weigh more heavily on the lowest income families than anyone else. Miles Trinidad of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy discusses the recently released report Who Pays? 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-14446322 Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0800 1709 tax system, oregon kids' credit, institute on taxation and economic policy, who pays taxes, regressive tax system 43 full false New federal government shutdown threat raises question: what kind of nation do we want? New federal government shutdown threat raises question: what kind of nation do we want? Once again, the possibility of a federal government shutdown is upon us. This renewed threat ultimately arises out of competing visions of the role of government and the kind of nation we want to have, our guest on this episode explains. Sharon Parrott is President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Sharon discusses those competing visions, as well as the prospects for enacting legislation that can improve the lives of people throughout our country.

Support the show

]]> Once again, the possibility of a federal government shutdown is upon us. This renewed threat ultimately arises out of competing visions of the role of government and the kind of nation we want to have, our guest on this episode explains. Sharon Parrott is President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Sharon discusses those competing visions, as well as the prospects for enacting legislation that can improve the lives of people throughout our country.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-14282371 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0800 1707 federal government shutdown, trump tax cuts, child tax credit, WIC, sharon parrott, center on budget and policy priorities 42 full false Food Bank sees worst levels of hunger in decades Food Bank sees worst levels of hunger in decades Hunger in Oregon is rising rapidly, a reflection of the economic insecurity afflicting so many families.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Susannah Morgan, President of the Oregon Food Bank. As Susannah explains, the level of hunger right now is the worst that she has seen in her 28 years of working in food banks in several states.

But as she points out, neither hunger nor poverty are inevitable. They are the result of public policy choices, and we can make better policy choices. 

Support the show

]]> Hunger in Oregon is rising rapidly, a reflection of the economic insecurity afflicting so many families.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Susannah Morgan, President of the Oregon Food Bank. As Susannah explains, the level of hunger right now is the worst that she has seen in her 28 years of working in food banks in several states.

But as she points out, neither hunger nor poverty are inevitable. They are the result of public policy choices, and we can make better policy choices. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-14098805 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0800 1556 Oregon food bank, hunger, food insecurity, SNAP, nutrition assistance, child tax credit 41 full false Inequality is killing us. Literally. Inequality is killing us. Literally. Perhaps the biggest danger from rising economic inequality is what it’s doing to our bodies, to our health. Economic inequality is killing us. Literally.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we hear from Dr. Stephen Bezruchka, author of the book Inequality Kills Us All.  A former emergency room physician, Stephen is currently an Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.

We also get a quick update on the latest figures on inequality. OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis discussing the key takeaways from a new report on income inequality in Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Perhaps the biggest danger from rising economic inequality is what it’s doing to our bodies, to our health. Economic inequality is killing us. Literally.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we hear from Dr. Stephen Bezruchka, author of the book Inequality Kills Us All.  A former emergency room physician, Stephen is currently an Associate Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.

We also get a quick update on the latest figures on inequality. OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis discussing the key takeaways from a new report on income inequality in Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13927420 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0800 1756 economic inequality, income inequality, dr. stephen bezruchka, inequality kills us all 40 full false What's behind the massive jump in child poverty? What's behind the massive jump in child poverty? The share of children in the U.S. living in poverty has soared, according to new data recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

In today’s episode, we talk with Tyler Mac Innis, a policy analyst with the Oregon Center for Public Policy, about what’s behind the surge in child poverty. We also discuss how the federal government measures poverty in a way that significantly understates the number of families having trouble making ends meet.

In the second half of the show, we explore a different, more accurate measure of economic insecurity developed by the United Way. We talk with Jim Cooper, President and CEO of United Way of the Pacific Northwest, about the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Index, and what this measure economic insecurity tells us about the current reality facing Oregon families.

Support the show

]]> The share of children in the U.S. living in poverty has soared, according to new data recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

In today’s episode, we talk with Tyler Mac Innis, a policy analyst with the Oregon Center for Public Policy, about what’s behind the surge in child poverty. We also discuss how the federal government measures poverty in a way that significantly understates the number of families having trouble making ends meet.

In the second half of the show, we explore a different, more accurate measure of economic insecurity developed by the United Way. We talk with Jim Cooper, President and CEO of United Way of the Pacific Northwest, about the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Index, and what this measure economic insecurity tells us about the current reality facing Oregon families.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13754063 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1754 child poverty, poverty line, supplemental poverty measure, official poverty definition, alice index, united way 39 full false Federal government shutdown: Explained Federal government shutdown: Explained This special episode examines what is looking increasingly likely: a federal government shutdown. Unless Congress can pass a continuing budget resolution by September 30, the shutdown will begin on Sunday, October 1.

What would a federal government shutdown mean for people in Oregon and across the nation? Who would be most affected? And what are the deeper policy and ideological differences driving the nation toward a federal government shutdown?

To examine these issues, the Oregon Center for Public Policy’s Executive Director, Alejandro Queral, spoke with someone with decades of experience navigating the halls of Congress: Ellen Nissenbaum, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Support the show

]]> This special episode examines what is looking increasingly likely: a federal government shutdown. Unless Congress can pass a continuing budget resolution by September 30, the shutdown will begin on Sunday, October 1.

What would a federal government shutdown mean for people in Oregon and across the nation? Who would be most affected? And what are the deeper policy and ideological differences driving the nation toward a federal government shutdown?

To examine these issues, the Oregon Center for Public Policy’s Executive Director, Alejandro Queral, spoke with someone with decades of experience navigating the halls of Congress: Ellen Nissenbaum, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13682296 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700 2096 38 full false On strike! Hope and challenges for the labor movement On strike! Hope and challenges for the labor movement All of the strike activity we’re seeing right now is a hopeful sign for those who want to see an economy that works for everyone. In this episode, we speak with Margaret Poydock and Jennifer Sherer of the Economic Policy Institute, co-authors of the recent report What to know about this summer’s strike activity. We discuss what’s driving the recent wave of strikes, the challenges workers encounter when seeking to strike, and the policy changes that would strengthen workers’ ability to act collectively. 

Support the show

]]> All of the strike activity we’re seeing right now is a hopeful sign for those who want to see an economy that works for everyone. In this episode, we speak with Margaret Poydock and Jennifer Sherer of the Economic Policy Institute, co-authors of the recent report What to know about this summer’s strike activity. We discuss what’s driving the recent wave of strikes, the challenges workers encounter when seeking to strike, and the policy changes that would strengthen workers’ ability to act collectively. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13542977 Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1672 strike wave, economic policy institute, worker strikes, NLRA, national labor relations act 37 full false Tax extreme wealth to save our democracy Tax extreme wealth to save our democracy Money is power. And the extreme concentration of wealth that we're seeing means that more and more political power is in the hands of billionaires, who use that power to further increase their wealth, according to today’s guest, Bob Lord. Bob is the Senior Advisor on Tax Policy for Patriotic Millionaires, as well as an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk with Bob Lord about why taxing the rich is essential in order to shrink inequality and save our democracy. 

Support the show

]]> Money is power. And the extreme concentration of wealth that we're seeing means that more and more political power is in the hands of billionaires, who use that power to further increase their wealth, according to today’s guest, Bob Lord. Bob is the Senior Advisor on Tax Policy for Patriotic Millionaires, as well as an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk with Bob Lord about why taxing the rich is essential in order to shrink inequality and save our democracy. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13376739 Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1724 wealth tax, wealth inequality, OLIGARCH Act, patriotic millionaires 36 full false Is it time for a new minimum wage fight in Oregon? Is it time for a new minimum wage fight in Oregon? On July 1, workers in one region of Oregon achieved what once seemed an inspired goal. The minimum wage in the Portland metro area — not in the rest of the state — crossed the $15 an hour level. But this milestone arrived more than a decade after workers across the country began demanding a $15 an hour minimum wage.

In this episode, we examine how much actual progress Oregon’s minimum wage workers made since the legislature established a new minimum wage law seven years ago.

We finish with a brief discussion on a big win for Oregon’s most vulnerable children: the legislature’s decision to establish the Oregon Kids' Credit, a new state child tax credit.

Support the show

]]> On July 1, workers in one region of Oregon achieved what once seemed an inspired goal. The minimum wage in the Portland metro area — not in the rest of the state — crossed the $15 an hour level. But this milestone arrived more than a decade after workers across the country began demanding a $15 an hour minimum wage.

In this episode, we examine how much actual progress Oregon’s minimum wage workers made since the legislature established a new minimum wage law seven years ago.

We finish with a brief discussion on a big win for Oregon’s most vulnerable children: the legislature’s decision to establish the Oregon Kids' Credit, a new state child tax credit.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-13203681 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1708 minimum wage, oregon legislature, jobs, minimum wage workers, $15 minimum wage 35 full false Pride and poverty: economic insecurity in the LGBT community Pride and poverty: economic insecurity in the LGBT community Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that threats of violence against the LGBT community are on the rise. We’ve also seen a slew of anti-LGBT legislation in statehouses across the country.  In addition to increased hostility and threats to physical safety, the LGBT community also faces higher levels of another form of violence, what Gandhi described as “the worst form of violence”: poverty.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss the issue of poverty in the LGBT community with Dr. Bianca D.M. Wilson, a Senior Scholar of Public Policy with the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The Williams Institute is the nation’s leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.

Support the show

]]> Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that threats of violence against the LGBT community are on the rise. We’ve also seen a slew of anti-LGBT legislation in statehouses across the country.  In addition to increased hostility and threats to physical safety, the LGBT community also faces higher levels of another form of violence, what Gandhi described as “the worst form of violence”: poverty.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we discuss the issue of poverty in the LGBT community with Dr. Bianca D.M. Wilson, a Senior Scholar of Public Policy with the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The Williams Institute is the nation’s leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12996280 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1659 lgbt, poverty, pride, trans, economic insecurity, williams institute 34 full false What's at stake for Oregonians in the debt ceiling negotiations What's at stake for Oregonians in the debt ceiling negotiations The clock is ticking on the nation’s ability to pay its debts, as U.S. House Republicans refuse to raise the debt ceiling unless Democrats and the White House agree to steep budget cuts. While much of the attention has been on the economic crisis that could follow a default by the U.S. on its debt obligations, that’s not the only risk facing the nation and our state.

In this special episode of Policy for the People, we examine what’s at stake for Oregonians in the debt ceiling negotiations.

OCPP executive director Alejandro Queral spoke with Whitney Tucker, Director of State Fiscal Policy Research at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, about the economic hardship that would fall on Oregonians from the budget cuts sought by House Republicans.

Support the show

]]> The clock is ticking on the nation’s ability to pay its debts, as U.S. House Republicans refuse to raise the debt ceiling unless Democrats and the White House agree to steep budget cuts. While much of the attention has been on the economic crisis that could follow a default by the U.S. on its debt obligations, that’s not the only risk facing the nation and our state.

In this special episode of Policy for the People, we examine what’s at stake for Oregonians in the debt ceiling negotiations.

OCPP executive director Alejandro Queral spoke with Whitney Tucker, Director of State Fiscal Policy Research at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, about the economic hardship that would fall on Oregonians from the budget cuts sought by House Republicans.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12908390 Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1321 debt ceiling, u.s. house republicans, work requirements 33 full false Tax policy fuels extreme wealth inequality: two examples Tax policy fuels extreme wealth inequality: two examples Over the past four-and-a-half decades, we have seen economic inequality return with a vengeance. We're living through a new Gilded Age, comparable to the one at the turn of the 19th Century. The first Gilded Age was the age of Rockefeller and Carnegie; ours is the age of Bezos and Knight. The return of extreme wealth inequality is the result of public policy choices, not least decisions in how we tax the superrich.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we look at two different policies on how we tax – or don’t tax – the wealthy. In the first segment, we examine the tax break known as Opportunity Zones. Bennett Minton of Tax Fairness Oregon explains why this is a tax break where only the rich can play.

In the second segment, the Oregon Center for Public Policy’s Daniel Hauser discusses a recent attempt by some Oregon lawmakers to fast-track a repeal of the estate tax – the only real mechanism we have in Oregon for taxing extreme wealth.

Support the show

]]> Over the past four-and-a-half decades, we have seen economic inequality return with a vengeance. We're living through a new Gilded Age, comparable to the one at the turn of the 19th Century. The first Gilded Age was the age of Rockefeller and Carnegie; ours is the age of Bezos and Knight. The return of extreme wealth inequality is the result of public policy choices, not least decisions in how we tax the superrich.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we look at two different policies on how we tax – or don’t tax – the wealthy. In the first segment, we examine the tax break known as Opportunity Zones. Bennett Minton of Tax Fairness Oregon explains why this is a tax break where only the rich can play.

In the second segment, the Oregon Center for Public Policy’s Daniel Hauser discusses a recent attempt by some Oregon lawmakers to fast-track a repeal of the estate tax – the only real mechanism we have in Oregon for taxing extreme wealth.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12823361 Thu, 11 May 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1738 wealth inequality, opportunity zones, estate tax, phil knight, oregon legislature 32 full false Food for All Oregonians: a key step to ending hunger in Oregon Food for All Oregonians: a key step to ending hunger in Oregon Many families in Oregon struggle to put food on the table, and this is especially true for many immigrant families. They are excluded from the nation’s most important anti-hunger program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As a result, many immigrants – including the very people who grow, harvest, and process the food we eat – cannot access federal food assistance.

But there is hope on the horizon. Oregon Senate Bill 610, known as Food for All Oregonians, would extend food assistance to immigrant families where the federal government fails to do so.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk about SB 610 with Fatima Jawaid Marty, the campaign manager for Food for All Oregonians, and Aldo Solano, the Strategic Partnerships Manager at the Oregon Food Bank.

Support the show

]]> Many families in Oregon struggle to put food on the table, and this is especially true for many immigrant families. They are excluded from the nation’s most important anti-hunger program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As a result, many immigrants – including the very people who grow, harvest, and process the food we eat – cannot access federal food assistance.

But there is hope on the horizon. Oregon Senate Bill 610, known as Food for All Oregonians, would extend food assistance to immigrant families where the federal government fails to do so.

In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk about SB 610 with Fatima Jawaid Marty, the campaign manager for Food for All Oregonians, and Aldo Solano, the Strategic Partnerships Manager at the Oregon Food Bank.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12721788 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1441 food for all oregonians, hunger, food insecurity, oregon food bank, partners for a hunger free oregon 31 full false Invisible no more: the essential work of care workers Invisible no more: the essential work of care workers Care workers play a vital role in our communities.  They feed, bathe, and otherwise care for those who cannot take care of themselves. In doing so, care workers make it possible for others to go to work and live their lives. Unfortunately, care workers get paid low wages and few benefits, all while performing physically and emotionally demanding work.

In this episode, we speak with Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503, about the challenges facing care workers – specifically, those who perform long-term care work. We discuss what Oregon lawmakers should do to ensure that care workers can take care of themselves and their families.  

One of the policies that could go a long way in improving working conditions for long-term care workers is what's known as a “wage board.”  We end the show with a conversation with Janet Bauer, Director of Policy Research at the Oregon Center for Public Policy, about the benefits of wage boards.

Support the show

]]> Care workers play a vital role in our communities.  They feed, bathe, and otherwise care for those who cannot take care of themselves. In doing so, care workers make it possible for others to go to work and live their lives. Unfortunately, care workers get paid low wages and few benefits, all while performing physically and emotionally demanding work.

In this episode, we speak with Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503, about the challenges facing care workers – specifically, those who perform long-term care work. We discuss what Oregon lawmakers should do to ensure that care workers can take care of themselves and their families.  

One of the policies that could go a long way in improving working conditions for long-term care workers is what's known as a “wage board.”  We end the show with a conversation with Janet Bauer, Director of Policy Research at the Oregon Center for Public Policy, about the benefits of wage boards.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12632644 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0700 1750 care workers, long-term care, SB 602, SEIU 503, wage boards, sectoral bargaining 30 full false Families need the Oregon Kids' Credit Families need the Oregon Kids' Credit Right now, the Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would establish the Oregon Kids' Credit.  This state child tax credit would put money in the pockets of the families with the fewest resources, helping them cover the rent, pay for food and other essentials. The need for a state child tax credit became all the more urgent after Congress failed to renew the enhanced federal child tax credit that did so much to reduce poverty in our nation in 2021.

We discuss the Oregon Kids' Credit proposal with two of its champions, State Representatives Andrea Valderrama and Lisa Reynolds.

But first we look at how the enhanced federal child tax credit made a crucial difference in the life of one  family in Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Right now, the Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would establish the Oregon Kids' Credit.  This state child tax credit would put money in the pockets of the families with the fewest resources, helping them cover the rent, pay for food and other essentials. The need for a state child tax credit became all the more urgent after Congress failed to renew the enhanced federal child tax credit that did so much to reduce poverty in our nation in 2021.

We discuss the Oregon Kids' Credit proposal with two of its champions, State Representatives Andrea Valderrama and Lisa Reynolds.

But first we look at how the enhanced federal child tax credit made a crucial difference in the life of one  family in Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12377192 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0800 1723 oregon child tax credit, social determinants of health, poverty, oregon legislature 29 full false Subsidies for semiconductors: the risks for Oregonians Subsidies for semiconductors: the risks for Oregonians One of the big topics of discussion in Salem right now is whether to provide new subsidies for semiconductor companies like Intel. This push for new subsidies stems from the congressional enactment of the CHIPS Act, by which the federal government has pledged tens of billions of dollars to ramp up semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Understandably, Oregon lawmakers are eager to see some of that money flow to Oregon.

But are corporate subsidies worth the cost? Do business incentives actually accomplish what state and local governments hope to achieve? And what should Oregon lawmakers do in response to the semiconductor industry’s current call for new state subsidies?

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore these questions with two guests: Greg LeRoy, executive director at Good Jobs First, and John Calhoun, a volunteer with Tax Fairness Oregon.

Support the show

]]> One of the big topics of discussion in Salem right now is whether to provide new subsidies for semiconductor companies like Intel. This push for new subsidies stems from the congressional enactment of the CHIPS Act, by which the federal government has pledged tens of billions of dollars to ramp up semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Understandably, Oregon lawmakers are eager to see some of that money flow to Oregon.

But are corporate subsidies worth the cost? Do business incentives actually accomplish what state and local governments hope to achieve? And what should Oregon lawmakers do in response to the semiconductor industry’s current call for new state subsidies?

In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore these questions with two guests: Greg LeRoy, executive director at Good Jobs First, and John Calhoun, a volunteer with Tax Fairness Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-12198431 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0800 1737 chips act, semiconductor industry, research and development tax credit, good jobs first, tax fairness oregon, economic development 28 full false A blueprint for Universal Health Care in Oregon A blueprint for Universal Health Care in Oregon Is there a way for Oregon to ensure that everyone in our state has access to affordable, quality health care? And can it be done at a lower cost compared to our current, complicated system of health care?

There is, according to a group of experts, policymakers, and community members who spent about two years looking into these questions. Created by the Oregon legislature, the Task Force on Universal Health Care has produced a blueprint for a single-payer health care system in Oregon. In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Dr. Bruce Goldberg, chair of the task force, about what such a system would mean for individuals and families, health providers, and employers.

Support the show

]]> Is there a way for Oregon to ensure that everyone in our state has access to affordable, quality health care? And can it be done at a lower cost compared to our current, complicated system of health care?

There is, according to a group of experts, policymakers, and community members who spent about two years looking into these questions. Created by the Oregon legislature, the Task Force on Universal Health Care has produced a blueprint for a single-payer health care system in Oregon. In this episode of Policy for the People, we speak with Dr. Bruce Goldberg, chair of the task force, about what such a system would mean for individuals and families, health providers, and employers.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11999468 Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0800 1730 oregon single-payer, universal health care, joint task force, health care costs 27 full false Wyden: The Child Tax Credit is Social Security for kids Wyden: The Child Tax Credit is Social Security for kids The strengthening of the federal Child Tax Credit in 2021 caused child poverty to plummet. Unfortunately, those changes were temporary. And now, millions of kids across the country are falling back into poverty, due to congressional action.

In this episode of Policy for the People, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden talks about his efforts to bring back the enhanced Child Tax Credit before the year ends — before a new Congress takes its seat in January.

Our focus on kids continues in our second segment. Ivy Major-McDowall, Policy and Advocacy Director at Our Children Oregon, discusses what the data says about the well-being of Oregon’s children.

Support the show

]]> The strengthening of the federal Child Tax Credit in 2021 caused child poverty to plummet. Unfortunately, those changes were temporary. And now, millions of kids across the country are falling back into poverty, due to congressional action.

In this episode of Policy for the People, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden talks about his efforts to bring back the enhanced Child Tax Credit before the year ends — before a new Congress takes its seat in January.

Our focus on kids continues in our second segment. Ivy Major-McDowall, Policy and Advocacy Director at Our Children Oregon, discusses what the data says about the well-being of Oregon’s children.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11808473 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0800 1752 child tax credit, senator wyden, oregon kids count, child well-being, child poverty 26 full false Trans data matters: the importance of the U.S. Transgender Survey Trans data matters: the importance of the U.S. Transgender Survey In addition to violence and discrimination, the transgender community faces a challenge that few others do: the fact that the federal government collects almost no data about the trans community. The absence of reliable data about the realities experienced by the transgender community makes it harder for the community to fight for justice. In the absence of government-collected data about the trans community, one particular resource has helped fill the void: the U.S. Trans Survey.

Seth Johnstone, Transgender Justice Program Manager with Basic Rights Oregon, discusses  the importance of increasing visibility and awareness of the transgender community, as well as the importance of the U.S. Trans Survey.

Support the show

]]> In addition to violence and discrimination, the transgender community faces a challenge that few others do: the fact that the federal government collects almost no data about the trans community. The absence of reliable data about the realities experienced by the transgender community makes it harder for the community to fight for justice. In the absence of government-collected data about the trans community, one particular resource has helped fill the void: the U.S. Trans Survey.

Seth Johnstone, Transgender Justice Program Manager with Basic Rights Oregon, discusses  the importance of increasing visibility and awareness of the transgender community, as well as the importance of the U.S. Trans Survey.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11738039 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0800 908 25 full false Our labor, their fortunes: Billionaires capture Oregon's wealth Our labor, their fortunes: Billionaires capture Oregon's wealth Wealth inequality is at mind-boggling levels. A new report by the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP) shows how much of Oregon’s wealth is in the hands of a few billionaires. OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains just how extreme wealth inequality is in Oregon and the factors driving inequality. 

But how does Oregon compare to the rest of the country? Carl Davis, Research Director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, explains how Oregon stacks up in terms of wealth inequality and how federal tax policy is a key tool for reducing inequality.

Read OCPP's report Wealth Inequality in Oregon Is Extreme.

Read ITEP's report The Geographic Distribution of Extreme Wealth in the U.S.

Support the show

]]> Wealth inequality is at mind-boggling levels. A new report by the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP) shows how much of Oregon’s wealth is in the hands of a few billionaires. OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis explains just how extreme wealth inequality is in Oregon and the factors driving inequality. 

But how does Oregon compare to the rest of the country? Carl Davis, Research Director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, explains how Oregon stacks up in terms of wealth inequality and how federal tax policy is a key tool for reducing inequality.

Read OCPP's report Wealth Inequality in Oregon Is Extreme.

Read ITEP's report The Geographic Distribution of Extreme Wealth in the U.S.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11664793 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0800 1734 oregon billionaires, wealth inequality in Oregon, extreme wealth inequality, wealth tax 24 full false How Measure 113 aims to end legislative walkouts How Measure 113 aims to end legislative walkouts In recent years, some lawmakers have failed to show up for work as a tactic to derail legislation. We speak with Tan Perkins, campaign manager for Measure 113, about the harm that legislative walkouts inflicts on Oregonians, and how the measure would deter walkouts.

In the second segment of the show, Audrey Mechling of the Oregon Center for Public Policy explains the good, the bad, and the ugly in the latest poverty figures.

Support the show

]]> In recent years, some lawmakers have failed to show up for work as a tactic to derail legislation. We speak with Tan Perkins, campaign manager for Measure 113, about the harm that legislative walkouts inflicts on Oregonians, and how the measure would deter walkouts.

In the second segment of the show, Audrey Mechling of the Oregon Center for Public Policy explains the good, the bad, and the ugly in the latest poverty figures.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11491367 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0700 1717 measure 113, oregon, legislative walkouts, oregon legislature, quorum 23 full false A re-energized labor movement sparks hope A re-energized labor movement sparks hope In an earlier era, a vibrant labor movement nurtured a broad middle class. But half-a-century ago, under severe attack from corporations, the fortunes of organized labor began to turn for the worse.

Right now, though, we are seeing hopeful signs of a revival of union power, explains Mark Brenner, an economist and co-director of the Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) at the University of Oregon. Mark discusses the past and present state of the labor movement.

Few workers face greater challenges than farmworkers, who endure low-pay and dangerous working conditions while performing truly essential work. In the second half of the show, Reyna Lopez, executive director of Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), discusses the challenges faced by Oregon’s farmworker movement, as well as its achievements and aspirations.

Support the show

]]> In an earlier era, a vibrant labor movement nurtured a broad middle class. But half-a-century ago, under severe attack from corporations, the fortunes of organized labor began to turn for the worse.

Right now, though, we are seeing hopeful signs of a revival of union power, explains Mark Brenner, an economist and co-director of the Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) at the University of Oregon. Mark discusses the past and present state of the labor movement.

Few workers face greater challenges than farmworkers, who endure low-pay and dangerous working conditions while performing truly essential work. In the second half of the show, Reyna Lopez, executive director of Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), discusses the challenges faced by Oregon’s farmworker movement, as well as its achievements and aspirations.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11277593 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0700 1710 labor movement, labor uprising, union power, worker power, pcun, Labor Education and Research Center, lerc, national labor relations act, nlra 22 full false One big corporation keeps us from having a free, simple tax filing system One big corporation keeps us from having a free, simple tax filing system Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, has used all kinds of tricks to keep our tax system complicated and expensive. Most Americans pay the price, especially those who can least afford it. But there is legislation in Congress that would fix the problem, creating a truly free and simple tax filing system for most folks. Guests: Janet Bauer of The Oregon Center for Public Policy and Susan Harley of Public Citizen.

Support the show

]]> Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, has used all kinds of tricks to keep our tax system complicated and expensive. Most Americans pay the price, especially those who can least afford it. But there is legislation in Congress that would fix the problem, creating a truly free and simple tax filing system for most folks. Guests: Janet Bauer of The Oregon Center for Public Policy and Susan Harley of Public Citizen.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-11110743 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0700 1685 free tax filing, intuit, turbotax, tax filing simplification act, eitc, child tax credit, free file alliance, pre-filled tax return, oregon center for public policy 21 full false Reproductive justice is economic justice Reproductive justice is economic justice The U.S. Supreme Court decision ending of the constitutional right to abortion threatens economic harm to many. In our first segment of this episode, we discuss the economic impact of the court's ruling with Asha Banerjee, an Economic Analyst with the Economic Policy Institute.

Did you know one in four minimum wage workers in Oregon are parents?  In our second segment, OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis discusses the increase in Oregon's minimum wage that just went into effect, and how far our minimum wage remains from being a living wage.

Support the show

]]> The U.S. Supreme Court decision ending of the constitutional right to abortion threatens economic harm to many. In our first segment of this episode, we discuss the economic impact of the court's ruling with Asha Banerjee, an Economic Analyst with the Economic Policy Institute.

Did you know one in four minimum wage workers in Oregon are parents?  In our second segment, OCPP Policy Analyst Tyler Mac Innis discusses the increase in Oregon's minimum wage that just went into effect, and how far our minimum wage remains from being a living wage.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10910936 Fri, 08 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0700 1681 abortion, reproductive rights, Dobbs, Roe v. Wade, U.S. Supreme Court, minimum wage, oregon minimum wage, living wage 20 full false The rich don't need more money: why we need to reform the "kicker" The rich don't need more money: why we need to reform the "kicker" A few weeks ago, we learned that a $3 billion "kicker" rebate could be on its way. As usual, the rich would get huge checks, while the lowest-income Oregonians -- those who could really use some extra money to pay the bills -- would get chump change. In this episode, we hear from Mark McMullen, head of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, about the state of Oregon's economy and the prospects of a new kicker. We also hear from Daniel Hauser, the Oregon Center for Public Policy's Director of Strategic Policy Projects, on what's wrong with the kicker and how to reform it to serve the interests of all Oregonians.

Support the show

]]> A few weeks ago, we learned that a $3 billion "kicker" rebate could be on its way. As usual, the rich would get huge checks, while the lowest-income Oregonians -- those who could really use some extra money to pay the bills -- would get chump change. In this episode, we hear from Mark McMullen, head of the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, about the state of Oregon's economy and the prospects of a new kicker. We also hear from Daniel Hauser, the Oregon Center for Public Policy's Director of Strategic Policy Projects, on what's wrong with the kicker and how to reform it to serve the interests of all Oregonians.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10761213 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0700 1689 oregon kicker, tax rebate, oregon economy, oregon taxes, kicker reform, oregon economic forecast 19 full false Oregon's biggest housing program is a wreck Oregon's biggest housing program is a wreck Oregon's biggest housing program, the mortgage interest deduction, does nothing to ease the state's long-running housing crisis. That's because this billion-dollar housing subsidy mainly benefits well-off homeowners. This is only one of the many flaws of the mortgage interest deduction, according to a recent audit by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk with Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and Audits Director Kip Memmott about what the audit revealed.

Read the audit Without Legislative Action the Mortgage Interest Deduction Will Remain Regressive and Inequitable. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon's biggest housing program, the mortgage interest deduction, does nothing to ease the state's long-running housing crisis. That's because this billion-dollar housing subsidy mainly benefits well-off homeowners. This is only one of the many flaws of the mortgage interest deduction, according to a recent audit by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk with Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and Audits Director Kip Memmott about what the audit revealed.

Read the audit Without Legislative Action the Mortgage Interest Deduction Will Remain Regressive and Inequitable. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10553714 Thu, 12 May 2022 10:00:00 -0700 1690 oregon mortgage interest deduction, housing, housing subsidy, homelessness, housing crisis, shemia fagan, oregon secretary of state 18 full false Cash works: why Oregon needs guaranteed income Cash works: why Oregon needs guaranteed income Large scale experiments carried out during the pandemic have given a boost to an old idea: addressing poverty and economic insecurity by giving people cash with no strings attached.  In this episode, we speak with State Representative Andrea Valderrama (HD 47) about the legislature's recent decision to send a one-time payment of $600 to low-paid workers in Oregon. Also, OCPP Director of Policy Research Janet Bauer discusses the growing body of evidence showing that guaranteed income and other cash policies are effective at addressing economic insecurity.

Support the show

]]> Large scale experiments carried out during the pandemic have given a boost to an old idea: addressing poverty and economic insecurity by giving people cash with no strings attached.  In this episode, we speak with State Representative Andrea Valderrama (HD 47) about the legislature's recent decision to send a one-time payment of $600 to low-paid workers in Oregon. Also, OCPP Director of Policy Research Janet Bauer discusses the growing body of evidence showing that guaranteed income and other cash policies are effective at addressing economic insecurity.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10421145 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0700 1689 HB 4147, cash policies, guaranteed income, oregon center for public policy, representative andrea valderrama 17 full false What the tax code means for gender justice What the tax code means for gender justice On Women's History Month, Policy for the People explores the gender biases in the tax code and reforms that can advance gender justice. We discuss these issues with Amy Matsui, Director of Income Security and Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center.

Support the show

]]> On Women's History Month, Policy for the People explores the gender biases in the tax code and reforms that can advance gender justice. We discuss these issues with Amy Matsui, Director of Income Security and Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10214232 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0800 1743 gender justice, national women's law center, amy matsui, bias in the tax code, gender inequity, racial justice, joint filing tax system, child tax credit 16 full false Oregon's child care crisis Oregon's child care crisis With guests Andrea Paluso of Family Forward Oregon and Mary King, economics professor emeritus at Portland State University, we examine Oregon’s child care crisis – the challenges it poses for families, child care workers, and the economy. And we discuss the kinds of policy changes that can set things right.

Support the show

]]> With guests Andrea Paluso of Family Forward Oregon and Mary King, economics professor emeritus at Portland State University, we examine Oregon’s child care crisis – the challenges it poses for families, child care workers, and the economy. And we discuss the kinds of policy changes that can set things right.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-10040676 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0800 1690 child care, child care crisis, oregon, oregon center for public policy, family forward oregon, wages 15 full false How deportation harms families and the state's economy How deportation harms families and the state's economy Despite often performing work considered essential to the nation's critical infrastructure, undocumented workers live under the constant fear of deportation. In this episode of Policy for the People, Janet Bauer of the Oregon Center for Public Policy and Isa Peña of Innovation Law Lab discuss how deportation wreaks havoc on families and weakens Oregon's economy, as well as what the state can do to reduce the harm.

Learn more: read the report Deportation harms Oregon's economy and upends family security.

Support the show

]]> Despite often performing work considered essential to the nation's critical infrastructure, undocumented workers live under the constant fear of deportation. In this episode of Policy for the People, Janet Bauer of the Oregon Center for Public Policy and Isa Peña of Innovation Law Lab discuss how deportation wreaks havoc on families and weakens Oregon's economy, as well as what the state can do to reduce the harm.

Learn more: read the report Deportation harms Oregon's economy and upends family security.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9878597 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0800 1732 undocumented workers, Oregon economy, deportation, mixed status families, Universal Representation 14 full false The Racist Roots of Oregon's Tax System The Racist Roots of Oregon's Tax System In this special episode of Policy for the People, we share a recording of a presentation by the Oregon Center for Public Policy titled "The Racist Roots of Oregon's Tax System."  Listen to OCPP communications director Juan Carlos Ordóñez discuss how Oregon's tax system entrenches and even deepens racial inequality. 

Support the show

]]> In this special episode of Policy for the People, we share a recording of a presentation by the Oregon Center for Public Policy titled "The Racist Roots of Oregon's Tax System."  Listen to OCPP communications director Juan Carlos Ordóñez discuss how Oregon's tax system entrenches and even deepens racial inequality. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9694724 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0800 1596 taxes and racism, taxes and racial equity, racist roots, oregon tax policy, oregon taxes, supermajority requirement, Oregon Measure 5, Oregon Measure 50, Oregon tax kicker 1 13 full false How the superrich exploit domestic tax havens How the superrich exploit domestic tax havens One of the biggest tax havens in the world — one of the main places where the superrich go to stash their money and avoid taxes — is the U.S. This is largely due to the fact that a number of U.S. states have transformed themselves into tax havens. In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk to Kalena Thomhave, a researcher with the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, about the rise of domestic tax havens and how they make the already severe problem of vast wealth inequality even worse.

Support the show

]]> One of the biggest tax havens in the world — one of the main places where the superrich go to stash their money and avoid taxes — is the U.S. This is largely due to the fact that a number of U.S. states have transformed themselves into tax havens. In this episode of Policy for the People, we talk to Kalena Thomhave, a researcher with the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, about the rise of domestic tax havens and how they make the already severe problem of vast wealth inequality even worse.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9527377 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0800 1429 tax havens, domestic tax havens, South Dakota, dynastic trusts, tax avoidance, Kalena Thomhave, Institute for Policy Studies, wealth inequality, Oregon Center for Public Policy 1 12 full false Why we need Build Back Better Why we need Build Back Better In this episode, we discuss the Build Back Better legislation before Congress. Samantha Jacoby of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and OCPP's Alejandro Queral explain what this transformational legislation would mean for the nation and Oregon.

Support the show

]]> In this episode, we discuss the Build Back Better legislation before Congress. Samantha Jacoby of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and OCPP's Alejandro Queral explain what this transformational legislation would mean for the nation and Oregon.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9336204 Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0700 1926 Build Back Better, oregon politics, oregon public policy 11 full false Poor quality jobs abound Poor quality jobs abound In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the problem of poor quality jobs — jobs that pay too little to adequately support a family and that often come with few if any benefits. OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains the dimensions of the problem and what Oregon can do to address it.

You can dive deeper into the issue by reading our report Poor Quality Jobs Predominate in Strong Economy. 

Support the show

]]> In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the problem of poor quality jobs — jobs that pay too little to adequately support a family and that often come with few if any benefits. OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains the dimensions of the problem and what Oregon can do to address it.

You can dive deeper into the issue by reading our report Poor Quality Jobs Predominate in Strong Economy. 

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9173285 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0700 1401 10 full false Income inequality remains the defining challenge of our times Income inequality remains the defining challenge of our times The latest data confirms the wide disparities by income that existed on the eve of the pandemic. In this show, OCPP Executive Director Alejandro Queral discusses the latest figures on inequality, why economic inequality harms Oregonians, and what kinds of policies changes are needed to shrink inequality.

Support the show

]]> The latest data confirms the wide disparities by income that existed on the eve of the pandemic. In this show, OCPP Executive Director Alejandro Queral discusses the latest figures on inequality, why economic inequality harms Oregonians, and what kinds of policies changes are needed to shrink inequality.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-9025326 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0700 1419 1 9 full false Undocumented workers: essential yet excluded Undocumented workers: essential yet excluded Undocumented workers in Oregon are more likely than not to perform work considered essential during the pandemic, yet they were left out of federal emergency assistance that other workers received. In this episode, Martha Sonato of PCUN, Oregon's farmworker union, and OCPP's Janet Bauer discuss the economic challenges faced by Oregon's undocumented workers.

Support the show

]]> Undocumented workers in Oregon are more likely than not to perform work considered essential during the pandemic, yet they were left out of federal emergency assistance that other workers received. In this episode, Martha Sonato of PCUN, Oregon's farmworker union, and OCPP's Janet Bauer discuss the economic challenges faced by Oregon's undocumented workers.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8841268 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 08:00:00 -0700 2307 undocumented workers, oregon, agricultural workers, federal stimulus, oregon worker relief fund, oregon taxes, undocumented workers pay taxes 1 8 full false Latest revenue forecast says the "kicker" is coming Latest revenue forecast says the "kicker" is coming In the latest episode of Policy for the People, we discuss what the state economists are saying about the economy and tax collections.

Support the show

]]> In the latest episode of Policy for the People, we discuss what the state economists are saying about the economy and tax collections.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8804238 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 21:00:00 -0700 1426 oregon economy, oregon tax collections, tax collections in oregon, oregon kicker 1 7 full false Rental assistance: a key to stabilizing families Rental assistance: a key to stabilizing families While it may seem obvious, providing rent assistance to those unable to afford the rent is the best way to keep people stably housed.

Support the show

]]> While it may seem obvious, providing rent assistance to those unable to afford the rent is the best way to keep people stably housed.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8804387 Fri, 14 May 2021 19:00:00 -0700 1063 housing crisis, housing affordability, rent assistance, renters, cost of housing 1 6 full false The American Rescue Plan Act The American Rescue Plan Act This episode of Policy for the People examines the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted by Congress in March 2021. As OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains, the plan potentially signals a change in direction toward an economy that aims for shared prosperity

Support the show

]]> This episode of Policy for the People examines the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted by Congress in March 2021. As OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains, the plan potentially signals a change in direction toward an economy that aims for shared prosperity

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8814322 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0700 1338 oregon economy, American Rescue Plan Act, economic insecurity, child tax credit, basic income 1 5 full false Tax policy through a racial equity lens Tax policy through a racial equity lens Although Oregon tax policy is no longer explicitly racist, it continues to entrench and even deepen racial disparities.

Support the show

]]> Although Oregon tax policy is no longer explicitly racist, it continues to entrench and even deepen racial disparities.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8814782 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0800 1775 racial equity, tax policy, tax policy and racism, tax policy through a racial equity lens, mortgage interest deduction, progressive taxation, oregon legislature 1 4 full false Wage theft is widespread Wage theft is widespread Wage theft is widespread and pervasive. Part of the reason for that is because greedy employers face no real downside to stealing the wages of their employees.

Support the show

]]> Wage theft is widespread and pervasive. Part of the reason for that is because greedy employers face no real downside to stealing the wages of their employees.

Support the show

]]> Oregon Center for Public Policy Buzzsprout-8816586 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 16:00:00 -0800 1380 wage theft, wage theft in oregon, oregon bureau of labor and industries, worker protections, wage theft penalties 1 3 full false