J. B. Williams, Oregon Business Report Journalist Profile

Articles

U.S. Senate passes bill rescinding bad California auto mandate

2 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

BY NFIB,WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 27, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, applauds the passage of H.J. Res. 88. NFIB sent a letter to the U.S. Senate in support of the resolution, which if enacted will rescind the federal waiver granted to California to implement more stringent vehicle emissions standards and require that 100% of new passenger vehicle sales be zero-emissions by 2035. A vote in favor of H.J. Res.
New State-Specific Tools to Highlight Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction in Oregon

2 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

By National Federation of Independent BusinessThe National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, has released two new digital tools to help small business owners, policymakers, and the public in Oregon understand the significant economic impact of the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction and what’s at stake if Congress fails to make it permanent.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Economic Reality Test Is Back

2 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

By Becky Zuschlag and Xavie DavenportBarran Liebman LLP,On May 1, 2025, the US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (“DOL WHD”) released a field assistance bulletin providing guidance to its field staff for determining employee versus independent contractor status when enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The new guidance instructs DOL investigators against using the Biden administration’s 2024 Final Rule on independent contractor classification.
NFIB on one big-beautiful bill

3 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

Small businesses support one of the most pro-small business pieces of legislation in recent historyBy NFIB,WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, announced the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be an NFIB Key Vote for the 119th Congress.
Woman sentenced for nearly $2M in 2 fraud schemes

3 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

By US Attorney, Oregon DistrictNews Release,PORTLAND, Ore.—A California woman was sentenced to federal prison for stealing nearly $1.3 million in Covid-relief program funds and failing to pay the IRS more than $700,000 in payroll taxes she collected from the employees of a small business in Salem, Oregon. Jamie McGowen, 43, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.
Wyden: Prevent Illegal Diversion of Firearms Sold Abroad

3 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

Wyden Urges Commerce Department to Establish Clear Guidelines to Prevent the Illegal Diversion of Firearms Sold AbroadBy U.S. Senator Ron WydenPress Release,Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today called on the Commerce Department to establish clear guidelines to prevent the illegal diversion of American-made firearms sold abroad.
Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking in Hotels this Travel Season

3 weeks ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking in Hotels this Travel SeasonBy Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association,The weather is becoming warmer, and people are starting to mark time off to travel this summer. Often, this includes searching on the internet for hotels to stay at. Many hotels can expect an increase in business during this season of graduations, reunions, and vacations. While this time of year can be relaxing and rejuvenating, there is also a darker side to the travel season.
Legislative Ag update 5/17

4 weeks ago | naturalresourcereport.com | J. B. Williams

By Oregonians for Food and Shelter,Legislative UpdateThis week, state economists delivered the long-awaited quarterly revenue forecast, which sets the stage for the next biennial budget. The only required duty of legislators during the long session is to deliver a budget by the start of the new fiscal cycle: July 1, 2025.
NFIB backs one of the most pro-Main Street plans in recent history

1 month ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

BY NFIB,WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 13, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means in support of the Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal ahead of the bill’s markup.
$1.48B bond sales despite historic market instability

1 month ago | oregonbusinessreport.com | J. B. Williams

Oregon State Treasury Completes Total Of $1.48 Billion In Bond Sales Despite Historic Market Instability The Two Sales Completed Last Week Featured Sustainability Bonds And Lottery Bond Refunding That Will Save The State $11.2 Million BY Oregon State Treasurer< Press Release, Last week, the Oregon State Treasury successfully completed two major bond sales through its Buy Oregon Bonds Program, providing nearly $1.5 billion for statewide projects and programs, including affordable housing,...