OREGON OBSERVATIONS 12 JANUARY 2026

Oregon’s unemployment rate holds at 5.2%, among highest in US. Only states with higher unemployment rates are New Jersey (5.4%), California (5.5%), and Washington, D.C. (6.5%). I’ve been champin’ at the bit to post this’n. You’ll notice that the other states with astronomically high unemployment rates are also run by Democrats. As I suspected, besides the fact that the Democrats are runnin’ Oregon, it’s the business-hostile environment created by the governor and their legislative supermajority that’s responsible. Don’t take my word for it. A properly worded search reveals that “Oregon’s legislative policies have significantly contributed to its high unemployment rate, driven by several factors. High Costs of Doing Business: Oregon is considered an expensive state to live and operate a business, with high taxes and regulatory burdens that deter investment. Regulatory Barriers: The state has created unnecessary obstacles for businesses, making it difficult for them to thrive and attract new customers. Political Culture: There is a perceived undervaluation of the private sector within the political culture, which affects the willingness to support policies that promote economic growth. Missed Opportunities: Legislative actions that have impacted business growth, such as the failure to deliver sustainable transportation funding, have left businesses in limbo and hindered economic development. These factors collectively contribute to a challenging business environment in Oregon, which can lead to higher unemployment rates.” If you’re lookin’ to make a change, Idaho, Montana, and Utah have unemployment rates in the 3% range, all under the national average. In case you haven’t already guessed, those three states are all run by common sense, not a bunch of donkeys’ asses.