Oregon listeners are following a busy week shaped by significant shifts at the statehouse, new investments in community infrastructure, and ongoing economic debates. At the Capitol, Oregon Senate Republican leader Daniel Bonham has announced he will step down effective October 5, backing Representative Christine Drazen as his successor. Senate Republicans have since chosen Bruce Starr as their new leader, bringing experience and a potential change in the caucus’s direction, as reported by KGW and KLCC.The state legislature has finalized several notable policy changes over the summer, including increased appropriations for the Emergency Board, updated budgets for agencies, and bond authorizations for capital construction and transportation, according to LegiScan. Transportation funding remains uncertain after lawmakers postponed a special session to address Oregon Department of Transportation’s budget shortfalls. Lawmakers are debating a six-cent gas tax increase and higher registration fees that would prevent layoffs and maintain services, reported by the Statesman Journal.Meanwhile, Oregon’s business climate faces ongoing scrutiny. The state dropped 11 spots to 39th in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business ranking, as noted by the Oregon Business and Industry Association, raising concerns about regulatory burdens and economic competitiveness. Small business advocates, including NFIB Oregon, are calling for an increase in the Corporate Activity Tax exemption and a fix to the state’s Equal Pay Law to allow legal recruitment and retention bonuses—issues that are particularly pressing as many small businesses continue to face mounting labor and cost pressures.At the community level, large investments are underway. Oregon City is preparing for a 2025 school bond to upgrade aging elementary campuses, improve school grounds, and expand career and technical education spaces at high schools, building on work done in previous bond measures. The state is also directing $20 million in the latest round of the Child Care Infrastructure Fund to support minor repairs, renovations, and expansions at child care sites throughout Oregon, in alignment with Governor Tina Kotek’s education priorities.Public safety and local government issues remain in focus, including efforts to study water policy and restrict certain products containing PFAS chemicals. Portland is advancing long-range planning projects and policies to preserve legacy businesses and limit new fossil fuel terminals, guided both by recent court decisions and community feedback.As for weather, the state has avoided major recent crises, allowing lawmakers and communities to maintain their focus on policy and rebuilding efforts.Looking ahead, listeners can expect ongoing debates over transportation funding, further discussion over small business tax relief, and opportunities for public involvement in Portland’s economic development plans. The upcoming months will also see decisions on the Oregon City school bond and additional measures related to early childhood infrastructure.Thank you for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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