Oregon was one of only eight states to see its poverty rate rise during the first year of the recession,
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
Oregon’s lowest-paid workers won’t be getting a raise next year. With the recession keeping inflation in check, Oregon law has
U.S. Census Bureau data released today showed that Oregon failed to make progress expanding health coverage or reducing poverty in
In the midst of a severe recession it should come as no surprise that the most recent economic data available
News Release This Labor Day Oregon workers confront near record-high unemployment, falling wages and a safety net with holes. That’s
The overhaul of the nation’s welfare system 13 years ago was supposed to help set poor families on a path
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly known as the federal recovery package, exempts from federal income taxes the
As the 2009 legislature enters its final weeks and considers revenue bills to balance the budget and make the state
Read a pdf of this fact sheet: SB 461 Helps Low-income Workers Gain Job Skills, Strengthens Oregon’s Workforce SB 461
With unemployment at 9 percent and rising, Oregon could use an economic boost. Congress is working on legislation, the American
Latest Podcasts
Oregon Child Care Crisis: How ERDC Running Out of Funds Could Hurt 12,000 Families
Listen to prior episodes of the show Follow Policy for the People on your favorite podcast app Transcript
February 12, 2026
Underpaid, Overworked, and Essential: Oregon’s Long-Term Care Crisis
In this episode, we examine the crisis in Oregon’s system of long-term care. Demand for long-term care is rising as
January 8, 2026
Income Inequality in Oregon: What Does the Latest Data Show?
Income inequality in Oregon remains vast, but history shows this is not inevitable.
December 11, 2025