Chair Bowman, Vice-Chairs, and Members of the Committee, my name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center for
Worker Power
The power of organized labor has brought us weekends, sick leave, and the minimum wage. However, worker power has decreased during decades of attacks by corporate interests and neglect by the federal government. Increasing the strength of workers is vital to making the economy work for everyone.
Worker Power
The power of organized labor has brought us weekends, sick leave, and the minimum wage. However, worker power has decreased during decades of attacks by corporate interests and neglect by the federal government. Increasing the strength of workers is vital to making the economy work for everyone.
Latest Articles
In celebration of May Day, International Workers Day, we are issuing this special episode of Policy for the People examining
Chair Jama, Vice-Chair Bonham, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center
Chair Grayber, Vice-Chairs Elmer and Munoz, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the
The revival of an old idea is offering hope for improving pay and working conditions in entire industries all at
Chair Grayber, Vice-Chairs Elmer and Munoz, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the
Chair Grayber, Vice-Chair Elmer, Vice-Chair Muñoz, and Members of the Committee, My name is Tyler Mac Innis, Policy Analyst for
Chair Prozanski, Vice-Chair Thatcher, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center
Co-Chairs Woods and Gomberg, and Members of the Committee, My name is Kathy Lara, Policy Analyst for the Oregon Center
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The Myth of Oregon’s “Bad Business Climate”
By a number of indicators, Oregon’s economy outperforms that of most other states.
April 23, 2026

Tobias Read on How Oregon Is Resisting Trump’s Voting Crackdown
In this episode, Alejandro Queral speaks with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, the state’s chief elections officer, on efforts
April 9, 2026

“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.
March 12, 2026

Victories, missed opportunities, and setbacks: a recap of the 2025 Oregon legislative session
As the gavel fell on the 2025 Oregon legislative session, we saw several victories for working Oregonians — wins that