PERS reform tabled, Trump gets his travel ban and timber suit takes a hit.
PERS reform on hold
Lawmakers pulled the plug on corporate tax reform last week. As a result, changes to the Public Employees Retirement System will have to wait another year, the Statesman Journal reports. PERS costs are on track to double in the next six years. The unfunded liability of PERS sits at $22 billion.
Court approves limited travel ban
The Supreme Court ruled this morning that a 120-day ban on travel from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen can move forward as long as visitors lack a “credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.” Trump claimed last week that the ban would take effect 72 hours after the ruling was handed down.
Oregon judge reverses ruling in timber suit
A Linn County judge now says counties can’t sue the state for financial damages, a key factor in the $1.4 billion class action lawsuit, the Daily Astorian reports. Counties filed suit to seek damages over state logging practices.
Port director salary finalized
Port of Portland Commissioners have finalized compensation for Curtis Robinhold, the port’s new executive director as of July. According to spokesperson Steve Johnson, Robinhold will receive $355,000 plus benefits. Before taking over as executive director, Robinhold served as the port’s deputy executive director. Johnson said the Port is eliminating that position “in our continuing effort to reduce costs to the general fund through attrition.”
Amazon considers drone hubs for fulfillment centers
Amazon says its traditional fulfillment centers — including the future center planned in Troutdale — are no longer working as needed, the Oregonian reports. The hubs were part of a patent filed in 2015 and could process thousands or orders a day. It is unclear how the proposed hubs mean for jobs (like the 1,000 proposed in Troutdale).
Eugene EV automaker files for public IPO
Arcimoto is looking to raise $10 million through its Reg A+ IPO filing, the Portland Business Journal reports. Arcimoto has developed a three-wheeled EV with a $11,900 price tag it aims to produce with financing from the filing.
From the Magazine: Launch — Getting the word out
I report on several marketing startups and how they aim to streamline business workflow.
