News Release Oregon’s annual cost of living increase in the state minimum wage has increased wages for low-wage workers while
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
Executive Summary As Oregon families left the cash assistance caseload following welfare reform, Oregon could have devoted the savings to
Oregon uses funds for helping poor families be self-sufficient to cover other budget holes
Net Income for Oregon Agriculture Triples Over Two-Year Period, Undermining Ag’s Attack on Oregon’s Minimum Wage
A large and rapidly expanding body of research has examined causes of household-level food insecurity and hunger. A definitive explanation
News Release (Silverton) – Even though the economy is growing, earnings and health coverage are down for most Oregon workers,
Calculator for basic family budget needs in Oregon available online
In the last year, Oregon added 58,600 jobs, with gains in most major industries. Job seekers are finding more advertisements
Oregonians Call on Senator Smith’s Continued Leadership
Refunded tax dollars that could help low-income families make ends meet and boost local economies are instead ending up in
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
