Oregon Politics Live June 30th, 2026: Why Almost Every Oregon Ballot Measure Failed—and the Push for Open Primaries
Why did nearly every proposed Oregon ballot measure fail to qualify for the November 2026 ballot? This episode examines Oregon’s initiative process, the obstacles facing petitioners, and the continuing effort to establish open primaries.
Oregon Politics Live June 28th, 2026: Can Oregon Lower Its Costs? Minimum Wage, Business Reform & the Ross Island Algae Fix
Can Oregon lower costs without creating new problems for workers and businesses? This episode examines the state’s minimum-wage increase, broader business reforms, and a proposed solution to recurring algae blooms near Ross Island.
Oregon Politics Live June 27th, 2026: Can Oregon Fix Its Economy? Kotek’s Prosperity Plan, Campaign Cash & Lloyd Center
Can Oregon improve its economy through lower taxes, less regulation, and more development-ready land? This episode reviews Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council, campaign contributions, state government accountability, education policy, and the future of the Lloyd Center.
Oregon Politics Live June 26th, 2026: $450M in Data Center Tax Breaks—and Taxpayers May Fund the Moda Center
Who should pay for the Moda Center renovation, and are Oregon’s data-center tax breaks delivering enough public value? This episode also covers economic-development reform, alcohol-related deaths among older Oregonians, and the Willamette Falls redevelopment project.
Oregon Politics Live June 17th, 2026: Can Oregon Attract Young Workers? Plus River Shuttles, Healthcare & School Funding
Can Oregon attract more young workers and reverse the effects of an aging population? This episode also looks at river shuttles, healthcare transparency, Oregon’s maternal healthcare debate, school funding, and public officials’ travel spending.
Oregon’s Talent Flywheel: Grow the Economy by Investing in People
Oregon’s economy depends on talent. This post lays out the “Talent Flywheel”: invest in education, grow a stronger workforce, attract employers, create higher-paying jobs, and build a self-reinforcing cycle of long-term economic growth.
How Oregon House District 51 Can Grow Its Local Economy
District 51 already has the ingredients for a stronger local economy: rivers, farmland, forests, small cities, manufacturing, and access to Mount Hood. This post lays out a practical plan to grow jobs, tourism, and infrastructure across Canby, Sandy, Estacada, Oregon City, Willamette Falls, and the Clackamas River corridor.
Can Oregon Lower the Cost of Living? What the State Can Do
Prices are too high, but not every cost is within state control. This post breaks down where Oregon can actually make a difference — including utilities, state taxes, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and food.
Why I’m Running for Oregon House District 51 | Joseph Richards
Oregon is getting too expensive. I’m running for Oregon House District 51 to help lower costs, grow the local economy, and build a stronger long-term future through what I call the Talent Flywheel.