Oregon's Strong Voice for the Middle Class

Partnering for a Strong and Balanced Economy

 

I want an economy that works for all Oregonians.

Our economic woes didn't start with the recession, but the crash of the housing market, the stock market, and the mass exodus of jobs that followed brought our economy's underlying problems to light.  Now we have to chose: will we rebuild an economy that creates opportunities for all Oregonians?  Or will we let the same policies run unchecked?

A strong economy means we invest from the ground up - in education, in infrastructure, in Oregon businesses.  It means we work to build a diverse economic base - with exporting businesses that bring money to our communities, service jobs that pay a living wage, and innovative new ideas that will keep us on the cutting edge.

A balanced economy means we are all working toward a better future.  It means that every Oregonian can receive the education they need to get a good job - whether that's a 2 year degree, an apprenticeship program, a college education or more.  It recognizes that it takes all of our work to build our state.  And it requires balancing our pioneering industries with the traditional jobs that keep our communities strong.

Wages and living standards have been shrinking.  But we can reclaim the middle class if we invest in a better economy for all Oregonians.

  • Big Changes Start Locally

    JANUARY 15th, 2013 | We all want to create an Oregon, and an America that we’re proud to hand over to the next generation. Working together at a local level is the first step toward that noble goal.

  • Equal Wealth & Taxes

    AUGUST 27th, 2012 | Our middle class is shrinking, unemployment remains high and our economy sits on shaky ground. Despite these intimidating factors, Americans believe that our wealth is divided much more equally than it actually is.

  • Minimum Wage & Housing

    JUNE 4th, 2012 | This chart has been circulated widely on the internet – and it’s clear why.

  • Job Creation, The Private-Sector & Public Workers

    MAY 23, 2012 | Private-sector jobs have finally started to increased under President Obama, but at the local level we are losing public-sector jobs that provide vital services and boost our regional economies - especially in rural areas.

  • Playing Chicken with Our Economic Recovery

    DECEMBER 20th, 2011 | Congress stands at the crossroads of yet another Federal shutdown, the third this year. If we were waiting for a clear indication that we need to more Representatives in Washington who will put working families and the middle class first, this is it. Partisan bickering keeps the real leaders on both sides of the aisle, who are ready to fight for the 99% of us who work for a living, doing their jobs.

  • Breaking Down Wealth Inequality

    NOVEMBER 30th, 2011 | Occupy Wall Street has rippled across the country leaving a wake of activism and protest in nearly every state and wide-scale demonstrations teeming in over 20 major North American cities. The message is clear: we are the 99%. We work the jobs, we pay the bills and we’re tired of the 1% keeping all of the profits.

  • Understanding The Gas Tax.

    SEPTEMBER 13th, 2011 | The Federal Gas Tax will stop being collected if Congress does not take action to renew it before September 30th. There are discussions about short term solutions, but a long term fix is needed.