How much income do families across Oregon need to meet basic necessities? A lot more than what the current minimum
Raising Incomes
Realizing our human potential depends on having the resources to meet our material needs. Raising the incomes of the lowest-paid workers not only increases economic opportunity but also makes for a more prosperous state.
Raising Incomes
Realizing our human potential depends on having the resources to meet our material needs. Raising the incomes of the lowest-paid workers not only increases economic opportunity but also makes for a more prosperous state.
Latest Articles
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, a stirring call to end racial segregation, was also a
Preventing social problems before they arise is a smart thing to do. Certainly, taking steps that prevent child abuse and
Oregon workers who earn tips are, by and large, poorly paid adults. For example, the typical waiter or waitress in
Oregon’s minimum wage falls far short of giving working families economic security, so imagine the difficulties workers face when they
Complaints that Oregon employers have violated minimum wage law arise more frequently among workers of restaurants, bars, office cleaning companies
This report is also available as a PDF: A Pathway, Not a Cliff Higher Minimum Wage Increases Economic Security and
Raising Oregon’s minimum wage to $15 per hour could boost the bottom line of small businesses, a sector that has
Raising Oregon’s minimum wage to $15 per hour would give small businesses more of what they need most: customers with
Center policy analyst Tyler MacInnis sat down with Ken Adams, host of The Valley View, and talked about Oregon's business
Latest Podcasts

Progress undone? Federal bill threatens Oregon’s health care gains
Much of the progress Oregon has made in expanding health care access is at risk as a result of the
August 14, 2025

A disaster for struggling families
The massive reconciliation bill passed by Congress on the eve of the 4th of July holiday will leave many Oregon
July 10, 2025

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
June 12, 2025