New corporate tax proposal up for discussion, SolarWorld warns of mass layoffs and OLCC will regulate medical marijuana.
Legislature considers another corporate tax proposal
The Joint Committee on Tax Reform is discussing a new draft of a corporate tax bill this morning. The new proposal includes tiered rates (0.25% to 0.85%) and will only apply to companies with sales more than $3 million in Oregon. The bill also includes cuts to personal income taxes. If approved as is, the tax would generate an estimated $954 million in the 2017-2019 biennium and increase to $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion the following bienniums.
SolarWorld announces mass layoffs in Hillsboro
The SolarWorld saga continues as SolarWorld AG warns 800 Oregon employees they could be fired in the next 60 days, the Oregonian reports. The notice was filed just a week after the financially insolvent company said operations were going to continue as normal.
Governor to sign marijuana regulation bill
The Legislature approved SB 1057 Monday to give the OLCC authority to regulate medical marijuana, the Bend Bulletin reports. The bill also incentivizes medical marijuana growers that enter the recreational market. Another provision of the bill makes it possible for cities and counties with recreational marijuana bans to permit medical marijuana facilities without a ballot measure.
Vacasa lands major partnership
Vacasa listings will now also appear on Booking.com, the Portland Business Journal reports. Vacasa’s inventory already appears on sites including HomeAway, VRBO and TripAdvisor. Co-founder Eric Breon says the latest partnership will allow Vacasa to maximize its porfolio as Booking.com is one of the largest accommodations engines.
Jive buyer tells employees to expect swift, substantial change
Aurea’s chief executive Scott Brighton says the changes are necessary to improve the performance of Jive Software and its ability to compete long-term, the Oregonian reports. Brighton says the first six months under new ownership will be challenging for staff. Jive’s Portland office employs about 200. Past Aurea purchases have been cut by about 40%.
Legacy Health CEO retires
George Brown is retiring at the end of the year, the Portland Business Journal reports. Brown has served as Legacy’s CEO for the last nine years. Legacy will announce his successor by the end of the year.
OB Original Blog: A taste of telehealth
Virtual health care encourages patients leery of hospitals to seek treatment.
Hot Topics, Cool Talks: Managing healthcare costs
Oregon Business hosted a Hot Topics panel discussion this morning about managing employee health care costs and boosting wellness. We’ll post a recap of the event later this week.
#Healthcare reform is complex, but @tpgrp‘s Sarah Friend says, “The employer sponsored market is the one thing that’s working.” #HotTopics
— Oregon Business (@OregonBusiness) May 23, 2017
