How extreme is wealth inequality in Oregon? So extreme that, together, three billionaires residing in the state have about twice the wealth as that of the entire bottom half of Oregonians. Wealth inequality is vital to understanding the economic insecurity so many Oregonians endure. Wealth refers to the sum of all the assets a person […]
Wealth Inequality in Oregon Is Extreme Read More »
Oregon’s ultra-rich took home more money than ever before in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Newly available tax return data from the Oregon Department of Revenue shows that the gulf between the top 0.1 percent of Oregonians — the richest 1 in every 1,000 Oregonians — and the Oregonian in the middle has
Income inequality in Oregon hits new record Read More »
Great news for transgender and nonbinary Oregonians — and data geeks as well. The National Center for Transgender Equality has launched the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey. This aims to be the largest trans survey in history, offering up a detailed view of the lives and experiences of the trans community. The U.S. Trans Survey is a
The U.S. Trans Survey to shed light on reality of trans community Read More »
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
(Podcast) How Measure 113 aims to end legislative walkouts Read More »
Recently, the U.S. Census released the latest figures on poverty. The topline numbers certainly gave reason to cheer. Yet, as we look at the broader picture, it is far from rosy. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly in the poverty numbers. The good news: child poverty fell drastically From 2020 to 2021,
The good, the bad, and the ugly in the latest poverty numbers Read More »
The following are the 2022 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, informally referred to as the “federal poverty level.” The guidelines determine the benefit levels of many low-income assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s important to recognize that the federal poverty level is well below what it actually takes for a family to
What is poverty in 2022? Read More »
In an earlier era, a vibrant labor movement nurtured a broad middle. But half-a-century ago, under severe attack from corporations, the fortunes of organized labor began to turn for the worse.
(Podcast) A re-energized labor movement sparks hope Read More »
Oregon is a prosperous state in one of history’s richest nations, yet so many Oregonians struggle to make ends meet. What will it take for all Oregonians to live in dignity and have the opportunity to thrive? Having a plan is a must to achieve economic justice. Learn more at actionplanoregon.org.
(Video) How to build economic justice in Oregon Read More »
Years from now, we may look back at 2022 as the year when the labor movement began its resurgence, ushering in a new era of shared prosperity. Let’s hope so. A strong labor movement is indispensable for having an economy that works for everyone, not just for corporate interests. Unions raise wages for their members,
A new dawn for Oregon’s labor movement? Read More »
Paying taxes is our civic duty. The government’s duty is to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible for us to pay our taxes. But for too long, Congress has failed to uphold this responsibility, favoring instead corporations that profit from our need to file tax returns. A bill recently introduced in Congress would
Free, simple tax filing puts interest of Americans above corporate profits Read More »