A new University of Oregon study confirms what Oregon businesses have been saying for years — our state is no longer a competitive place to do business. In fact, many companies say they’re considering investing out of state — not because they want to leave Oregon, but because they’re being driven out by bad policy.
Oregon also just dropped to No. 44 in the Chief Executive’s national business climate ranking this year — yet lawmakers continue pushing legislation that increases costs, overregulates industries, and creates an unpredictable economic environment.
And let’s be honest: If Oregon doesn’t stop attacking the private sector, we won’t have a private sector left. The states attracting our businesses — Idaho, Texas, Florida — are doing so by cutting red tape, lowering taxes, and treating job creators as partners, not cash cows.
When businesses leave, jobs leave. Families lose stability. Communities lose opportunity and investment. Oregon’s leaders need to stop catering to extremists’ interests and start focusing on economic growth — or we’ll continue to lose businesses to other states.
$1.8 billion “accounting error”? Just another day in Salem
A new audit from the Secretary of State’s office reveals that Oregon agencies mishandled $1.8 billion in funds — through accounting errors and failure to comply with basic grant requirements.
Let’s be clear — this isn’t a minor issue with a decimal point. This is public money, and once again, state agencies can’t explain where it went or how it was used. Oregon received over $22 billion in federal funding last year alone. Is anyone even at the wheel in our administration?
The audit found dozens of reporting failures, eligibility problems, and mismanaged funds. From transportation to education to housing, federal dollars meant for real programs are being mismanaged by an unaccountable bureaucracy. And what’s the state’s solution? You guessed it: More funding, more staff, more excuses — no wonder our federal administration is reconsidering certain federally funded programs.
Oregonians deserve better than government-by-autopilot. If the majority is going to demand more taxes, more federal dollars, and more power in Salem, then the absolute bare minimum should be basic financial accountability to our taxpayers who foot the bill.
Oregon Democrats push new gun control bill
On May 12, the Oregon Senate Rules Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 243 — a sweeping gun control measure that included a 72-hour mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, bans on rapid-fire devices, and expanded authority for local governments to restrict concealed carry in public buildings.
Despite overwhelming public opposition, the committee advanced the bill, but a much narrower version. I still opposed the bill as amended. Supporters claim gun control measures promote safety. Which is why it is ironic that the majority party struck down our amendment to reassess criminals access to firearms. What the current bill actually does is strip rights from law-abiding citizens — while Oregon continues to go soft on violent criminals.
With our state already struggling under failed public safety policies, it’s a slap in the face to now punish responsible gun owners who simply want to protect themselves. Oregon leaders refuse to hold repeat offenders accountable — but they’re more than willing to add layers of restrictions on people who follow the law.
I will always fight to protect our right to self-defense, and I will never stand by while Salem chips away at our residents’ constitutional rights. Oregonians have the right to be safe — and the right to protect themselves.
Oregon’s Attorney General prioritizes political battles over public safety
Since taking office, out of 81 press releases issued by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a staggering 72% of them focus on attacking President Trump and his administration. From suing over tariffs to challenging education decisions and EV infrastructure funding, Rayfield seems more interested in political grandstanding than addressing the real issues facing Oregonians.
As crime rates rise and fentanyl floods our communities, the state's top legal officer is busy leading multi-state lawsuits against unrelated federal policies - while our federal government is fighting to keep our residents safe.
This isn't just a misallocation of resources; it's a dereliction of duty. Oregonians deserve an Attorney General who prioritizes their safety and well-being over partisan politics.
National Update: Global trade agreements show strength through negotiation
While critics continue to panic over “trade wars,” the Trump administration is quietly delivering major wins on the global stage — and this month proved it. In just the last few weeks, the U.S. secured new trade agreements with China and the United Kingdom, sending a clear message: When America negotiates from strength, we win.
Let’s start with China. After months of strategic tariffs and hardline diplomacy, the U.S. has finally brought China back to the table — and not just for talk. In Geneva, the two nations nations announced a joint economic and trade agreement that includes Chinese commitments to expand market access for U.S. agriculture, cut industrial subsidies, and address long-standing trade imbalances. This follows the U.S.-China initial trade deal signed earlier this month — a major shift that wouldn’t have happened without Trump’s firm use of tariffs.
And across the Atlantic, another huge milestone: The United States and the United Kingdom just signed a historic trade deal that expands American exports and eliminates tariffs on key U.S. goods, including manufacturing and agriculture. This agreement is expected to bring billions into the U.S. economy while securing stronger transatlantic supply chains and leveling the playing field for American producers.
These aren’t just wins for foreign policy — they’re wins for American jobs, American industry, and American sovereignty. The message is clear — when we stop apologizing and start negotiating like a nation that knows its worth, we get results.
The tariffs worked. The leverage worked. And the Trump administration is proving, once again, that America First is more than a slogan — it’s a strategy.
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