Democrats and their policies are already burning down Oregon's economy. But now they're about to throwing gasoline on it with even more stupid decisions. The house is on fire. But this is fine.

16-09 Problem Lovers vs Problem Solvers | Exposing Oregon Democrats’ Damage

By Dr Mark | February 28, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

Exposing Oregon Democrats’ Damage | The Problem Lovers

Release Date: February 28, 2026

Duration: 47:55

Host: Mark Anderson

Guests: Ed Diehl (Oregon state representative and gubernatorial candidate)

About This Episode

On Show 16-09, Oregon’s legislature has had some intense hearings along with a couple of dramatic walk outs. But then walk-back-ins. What? To give insights into what’s been happening, we welcome back Representative Ed Diehl, who’s also running for Oregon’s Governor. We get updates on what’s going on with SB 1599—the Democrat’s continuing fight against Democracy to move the No the Gas Tax ballot initiative from November to May — and the plans of what will happen if Governor Kotek signs it. It’s just more of Oregon Democrats hating democracy and destroying Oregon.

Show Notes

00:00 – Jumping right in — Oregon’s horrid economy, Portland in a doom loop, no help on the horizon. “Is Oregon’s economy bad enough to swing an election?” article and just how badly Oregon democrats have failed Oregon.
08:12 – A business owner is sick of his West Coast blue state and is wants to relocate his company — and its 1,000 employees. The shocking details of the economic hit a state like Oregon would take on just three aspects: wages, state taxes, and housing. And the incredible benefit to employees by just stepping across state lines.
16:44 – Trump and Republicans just gave Americans a bunch of tax breaks. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, etc. But also big cuts and incentives to businesses. Except not in Oregon. Democrats are lusting for money. It will steal $300 million from Oregon businesses. But they already have plans to spend twice that. No wonder Kotek’s own “prosperity council” asks, “What the heck are you doing…?”
25:17 – Democrats hate democracy so much they are ignoring 250,000+ signatures and overwhelming opposition in public testimony (more than 95%!) and are trying to move the No Gas Tax referendum from the November’s general election to the May 2026 primary. The status of SB 1599, the bill to move it, the illegality of doing so, and how Ed plans to fight it.
33:42 – Oregon has a national reputation for some pretty crazy ideas. Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28) may just top them all. With more than 95,000 signatures already, it is well on its way to reach the 117,000 needed to qualify for the ballot. Are Democrats suddenly Islamaphobes? One of the clearest examples yet of Oregon as the Wuhan Lab of leftist policies. They experiment on it here, develop gain of function, and then infect other states.
39:32 – The gun bill that would create a two-tiered system of gun ownership. If you haven’t bought a gun yet in Oregon, you might not be able to if this passes. Don’t miss the closer!

Transcript

There’s a lot to talk about today and some of these questions are gonna take a bit of a setup so I’m going to forgo my normal opener and let’s get right to it.

I’d like to welcome back Representative Ed Diehl, from house district 17 E Marion County and parts of northern Linn County. And in case you’ve been hiding under a rock he’s also running for governor. Ed welcome back — with so much going on it’s really great to talk to you and we appreciate you taking the time in what I know is a very hectic week.

On today’s show we want to talk about the Democrats decoupling Oregon businesses from federal tax breaks in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, SB 1599 and the walkout, Oregon’s economy IP 28 and if we can get to it the gun bill especially Jason Kropf’s behavior around that.

Because I think it will help people put things into context and make more sense of what the Democrats are doing around decoupling and the no gas tax referendum and the damage those will cause to an already damaged system

Mark Hester worked for 20 years at The Oregonian but is now a contributor to Oregon roundup. He has a really good article, titled “Is Oregon’s economy bad enough to swing an election?”

How bad is Oregon’s economy” he asks. It should be the number one question voters ask before this year’s statewide elections.

He says by just about any measure organ is nearing the pain threshold for anyone who is not a public employee. Look at Oregon’s trajectory relative to other states

Oregon’s December unemployment rate a 5.2% was better than only two states New Jersey and California. We’re the third worst.

Broader employment statistics are even more alarming. Portland ranked fourth worst among metro areas for job losses in 2025 with a decline of 8800

Oregon business bankruptcies rose 25% in 2025 — four times faster than the national average.

Companies that aren’t filing bankruptcy are struggling. Intel and Nike used to power Oregon’s economy but both are struggling. And there are no new companies on the horizon to replace them as the premiere attractions to shore up Oregon’s economy.

Over 1/3 of offices in Portland urban area were vacant last year. Portland is ranked the second worst commercial real estate market in the nation. Migration is stagnant at best. Portland has become unattractive to newcomers at exactly the time it needs them most.

After hearing what I just read… you’re running for governor — are you sure you want the job? Got to be daunting just to hear just how bad it is.

If you enjoy our content, help others discover the show! Give us a like and subscribe or leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—or drop a comment below. That really helps us get a bump up in the ol’ algorithms when platforms suggest shows to others.

Show Notes, Research, Links Mentioned, and Related

Find out more about Ed Diehl — eddiehl.com/about
Ed on the No Gas Tax Petition: “The Oregon Senate has just passed SB 1599, defying the clear will of over 250,000 petitioners…” (via X, Feb 23, 2026)
Is Oregon’s economy bad enough to swing an election? (Oregon Roundup, Feb 25, 2026)
People are fleeing from California, Oregon and coming to Idaho: Gov. Brad Little | America Right Now (Newsmax YT channel, February 21, 2026)
- In case you want to see the economic details yourself, comparing the two states: Brave AI on Idaho vs Oregon, wages, housing, and taxes (asked Feb 25, 2026)
House Republicans boycott Oregon Legislature over workplace complaint, gas tax vote (OPB, February 23, 2026)
Oregon House Republicans stage walkout as gas tax election, gun control votes near (Oregon Capital Chronicle, February 23, 2026)
Kotek’s “economic advisory council” are not happy with her and the Democrats decoupling Oregon from the tax cuts in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Why? Because she put the council together to figure out some ways Oregon might attract businesses to Oregon. But then Kotek and the Democrats take away business tax cuts Republicans in Congress just passed. “Some Members of Kotek’s Prosperity Council Unhappy About Tax Change” (Willamette Week, Feb 26, 2026)
- Like we said, Kotek wanted it for show. Not solutions.

The Insanity of IP 28

Oregon IP28A direct threat to animal ownership and agriculture (Oregon Horse Council, December 30, 2025)
- “Oregon Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) … represents one of the most aggressive assaults on animal ownership, agriculture, and private property rights ever proposed through a state ballot initiative. … It aims to criminalize lawful animal use, dismantle food production, and promote a long-standing animal liberation agenda through voter confusion rather than legislative debate.”
Oregon Update: “Animal Cruelty” Ballot Measure Inching Closer to Qualifying- Do Not Sign! (American Kennel Club, January 23, 2026)
- “Removes the word “intentional”, thereby criminalizing even unintentional harm or neglect of any animal including wildlife.”
Only Two Groups Have Submitted Signatures for 2026 Ballot Initiatives. They Aim at Very Different Issues. (Willamette Week, January 28, 2026)
- “[Co-Chief petitioner, David] “Michelson says he’s ‘under no illusion that IP 28 will pass this year,’ but making the ballot would start a conversation that he hopes will eventually lead to success.”
Animal-Rights Activists Are Attempting a Ban So Absurd That It Would Affect ‘Every Oregonian’ (Outdoor Life, February 2, 2026)
- One line item, for instance, would reclassify animal husbandry practices as “sexual assault of an animal.” That would cripple everyone from bird dog breeders to livestock producers. Other provisions would outlaw rodeos, [and] make it illegal to trap or kill pests like mice.
- “The Oregon hunters association had this to say: ‘It would create a “no-kill” sanctuary state, forcing Oregonians into a vegan diet or or to have their meat and dairy products shipped in from other states’.”
Don’t Be Fooled By Initiative Petition 28, The Oregon Hunting And Fishing Ban Proposal (Northwest Sportsman, February 20, 2026)

Show 16-05 Oregon Democrats vs. Your Wallet: Blocking Trump’s Tax Cuts to “Protect” You?

By Dr Mark | February 2, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

Oregon Democrats vs. Your Wallet: Blocking Trump’s Tax Cuts to “Protect” You?

Release Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Subtitle: Oregon’s economy burns under Democratic policies—now they’re sabotaging Trump’s tax cuts. Connect the dots before it’s too late.

Duration: 47:55

Host: Mark Anderson

Guests: Jonathan Williams, President and Chief Economist of American Legislative Exchange Council, the nation’s premier state policy organization dedicated to to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.

About This Episode

Oregon’s economy is already smoldering under punitive taxes and regulations—now Democrats want to pour gasoline on the fire by decoupling from Trump’s tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Proven free-market policies work every time they’re tried. So why is Oregon—dead last in business environment—stubbornly choosing the opposite? Full Democratic control (super-majorities in both chambers, Governor’s office, all statewide positions, even the Supreme Court) prioritizes left-wing ideology over results, crushing businesses and citizens alike.

This episode connects the dots: How bad economic policies create bad economies—and why voters need to fill in the right ones on their ballots. You’ll gain more insight than most state legislators, just in time—because Oregon is running out of clock before the flames spread.

No math, just facts and real-world examples. Tune in to see how ideology is burning down the state… and what can still be done.

Show Notes

00:00 – Intro to some basics, like the single-most important factor whether someone buys something—and why higher taxes don’t mean more money for the state.
05:10 – Simple example why raising taxes doesn’t work that every legislator should learn
09:14 – Other factors that people and especially businesses consider when relocating. Elections have consequences: a new state enters the race to the bottom and seems determined to beat Oregon to it.
16:37 – Oregon as the example and warning for other states what not to do. Breaking the mindset of raising taxes every time a state feels pinched.
21:24 – Why Oregon Democrat’s bad economic policies are so critical at a time like this. What is happening that could damage Oregon for decades.
25:23 – Oregon media got excited that more moving trucks arrived in Oregon than left. But what those moving trucks surveys don’t mention.
28:55 – Oregon Democrats are about to make a massive mistake. Those moving vans might be turning around.
34:03 – The regulation Trump just repealed that will save U.S. businesses well over $1 trillion per year. Connecting the dots and why that’s so important. One Big Beautiful Bill tax cuts people will see this year.
39:57 – It’s not just no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. Connecting the dots between a huge new tax rule for businesses that will grow economic activity. And why left-wing politicians will hate it and try to stop it.

Transcript

Opener:

Here’s a question for you. What is the single-most important determining factor whether or not someone buys something? The one reason that is generally more important than all of the others.

If you said price, you were correct. And you have a better sense of economics than the overwhelming majority of Oregon’s elected democrats.

This comes directly from a theory in microeconomics — although it’s not really theoretical, it’s a known fact — so we’ll say, a “principle” known as the law of demand. All things being equal, the price of a good or service is the main factor that determines how much consumers will buy of those goods or services.

I mention this because on today’s show we’re going to take a look at what Oregon Democrats’ recklessness is doing and will do to Oregon If they get their way to raise prices and worse to take money out of your pocket which is the same as raising prices.

Because they don’t seem to understand this basic concept.

Because here’s a related issue. The more money you have to spend, that you must spend, the less money you have available for other things. Again that’s pretty simple. If your rent goes up and your income doesn’t change, the less money you have for other things. Food, utilities, kids’ clothes, or like actually putting money aside or investing it so you’ll have more for the future.

And, also again, this simple economic principle is one that the overwhelming majority of Oregon’s elected Democrats can’t seem to grasp. If your taxes go up the less money you’ll have for normal economic activity. Paying for the things you need to and buying things you want.

Right now the only economic principle that Oregon’s Democrats seem to believe is that if you have money you are stealing it from the government. How dare you keep your own money?

Don’t believe me? We’ve said several times over the last few months that Oregon Democrats right now want to decouple Oregon’s tax code from the federal tax code. Previously it was just an idea — scheme, really — being talked about behind closed doors. Now they’re talking openly about it. Oregon Democrats want to block Oregonians from getting the tax cuts trump gave them in the one big beautiful bill. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime.

And how are Democrats trying to spin taking away more of your money by blocking Trump’s tax cuts? Speaker of the House, Democrat Julie Fahey said, they want to shield Oregon families from harmful federal policies.” And the democrat-friendly media is spinning it this way: quote, “The bill includes tax cuts that could mean more money in Oregonians’ pockets at the state’s expense.” There it is. Keeping your own money, that you earned, is at the state’s expense. That implies that money originates with the state. It belongs to the state.

Well this November Oregonians have a chance to send a giant goodbye to Democrats and remove that kind of thinking from Oregon.

Download the Show

Don’t use podcast platforms? No problem! Download Show 16-05. That link will open in a new tab where you can listen right in your browser or download it if you prefer.

Additional Show Notes

Jonathan Williams is the president and chief economist organization at American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
- Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them. Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
- And you too can join as a private-sector member!
- Follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing — 2026’s edition will b e released on tax day, April 15th.
Oregon taxpayers are getting hammered with the highest effective income tax burden in the nation (Ed Diehl, Facebook post, January 13, 2026)
Outrageous! What elected Democrats think of your money: “Oregon lawmakers return Feb. 2 facing budget hole, tax fight and transportation fallout” (Central Oregon Daily, Jan 25, 2026)
- Democrat Speaker of the House Julie Fahey: “We’re focused on…shielding Oregon families from harmful federal policies.” Apparently, you need to be “shielded” from federal tax cuts that would let you keep more of the money you earned.
- Also in that article: “The bill includes tax cuts that could mean more money in Oregonians’ pockets at the state’s expense.”
Many Virginia voters are developing buyer’s remorse after Democrats are pushing a TIDAL WAVE of tax surges on citizens following the most recent election (Eric Daugherty, X post, January 29, 2026)
Moving Company migration surveys
- U-Haul’s 2025 survey shows Oregon had a net positive for trucks coming into Oregon vs leaving (50.3% inbound)

If you enjoy our content, help others discover the show! Give us a like and subscribe or leave us a review below. That really helps us get a bump up in the ol’ algorithms when platforms suggest shows to others.

Show 16-04 Podcast – Why Republicans Winning Oregon Elections Just Got More Likely

By Dr Mark | January 26, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

Why Republicans Winning Oregon Elections Just Got More Likely

Release Date: January 24, 2026

Duration: 47:55

Host: Mark Anderson

Guests: Rep. Ed Diehl, candidate for Oregon governor, and Eric Lee, senior attorney on Judicial Watch’s election integrity team

About This Episode

Election integrity laws are about to change — for the good. The timing could not be better. Right when a Republican candidate with a proven ability to draw independents and Democrats decided to run for Oregon’s governor. And at a time Oregon Democrats are doing their best to sabotage their own chances by punishing Oregonian to cling to power. Even more, the federal lawsuits to restore trust in our elections haven’t even really gotten started.

Show Notes

00:00 – Representative Ed Diehl announces his run for Oregon governor — what happened to change him from a no to a yes?
09:18 – The highly successful No Gas Tax referendum drew support from all political parties. So how to convert support for that issue into support for him as a governor candidate for Oregon?
16:31 – Oregon Democrats are committing political suicide more on how they are punishing Oregon businesses and the Oregonians who work at them.
24:39 – Eric Lee, senior attorney on Judicial Watch’s election integrity team discusses last week’s SCOTUS ruling and how Bost v. Illinois was so huge for election integrity. Why the rules have now changed.
31:45 – The avalanche of election integrity lawsuits about to come. Judicial Watch sued Oregon to clean up the voter rolls; Oregon surprised court watchers by suddenly announcing they would remove 800,000 inactive voters—about 20–25% of registered voters.
39:09 – Did Oregon’s Secretary of State just blab a little too much and admit Oregon is at fault? That 800,00? That’s just the start. Discovery is underway right now. And did the Secretary of State also open the door to another Judicial Watch lawsuit by violating another federal law?

Transcript

(Opener) There’s a buzz phrase in government that you probably heard. Evidence based. And they use that buzz phrase because what they really want is for you not to question their policies.

Evidence based refers, allegedly, making government policy and spending decisions based on evidence — like data and research (which govt pays someone to do), and so-called “proven results” rather than on ideology, intuition, or anecdote.

Now just to easily disprove the notion of evidence based — when’s the last time democrats push through government policy that supported (or, more to the point, funded) any ideology on the right.

There is overwhelming evidence for conservative, pro-growth economic policies — like lowering taxes and cutting government spending is good for economies and good for people. Instead, Democrats want to raise taxes and increase government spending — the exact opposite of what the evidence shows.

Instead, it’s about things like climate change, which they plan to fix through carbon credits, which fund Democrats. Or Green energy (which isn’t green — and funds Democrats). Or funding the homeless-industrial complex of non-profits, which happen to be Democrats.

Well, the real evidence is in. And it’s fraud and its government incompetence. And we’d planned to talk an awful lot about fraud on today’s show and then, well… the best-laid plans of mice and men, or politicians and radio hosts, sometimes go awry.

Because the last time we talked to representative Ed Diehl back in December, we wanted to get him on our calendar to continue our discussion about fraud, and to get some insights into legislative days at the capital, and what devious schemes those Democrats are up to now. So we threw around some dates and settled on today—we’re talking Wednesday afternoon, January 21st—and we were all set to continue that discussion but then a little something came up.

And I don’t know how we don’t start off with this huge news, even though this show won’t air until the weekend after the big reveal. So, Ed welcome back, and for those who don’t already know by now go ahead and tell ‘em.

Download the Show

Don’t use podcast platforms? No problem! Download Show 16-04. That link will open in a new tab where you can listen right in your browser or download it if you prefer.

Additional Show Notes

For research, links mentioned during the show, additional commentary, etc., head to this page.

If you enjoy our content, help others discover the show! Give us a like and subscribe or leave us a review. That really helps us get a bump up in the ol’ algorithms when platforms suggest shows to others.

16-04 Why Republicans Winning Oregon Elections Just Got More Likely

By Dr Mark | January 24, 2026 | Comments 1 comment

Show 16-04 Summary: This week, it’s Oregon’s all important 2026 elections — and why things will change. We start with Representative Ed Diehl (HD17) to talk about his decision to run for Oregon’s governor. Can he win? Find out why we certainly think he will not only win the primary, he will win the general. But can he really win in a state known for its lack of election integrity? Including having what Judicial Watch called “the dirtiest voter rolls in the nation.” We talk with Judicial Watch’s senior attorney, Eric Lee, about their lawsuit — and why last week’s SCOTUS ruling opens the door to fundamentally changing elections. Including right here in Oregon.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show. — I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: January 24th & 25th, 2026 | Guests: Ed Diehl & Eric Lee

This Week – Republicans Winning Oregon’s Elections

When we last talked to Ed Diehl at the end of December, we scheduled this week to continue our discussion on fraud in Oregon (hold our beer, Minnesota) and legislative days in Salem. But the night before our interview on Wednesday, news broke he was going to run for Oregon governor.

How do we not talk about that? We have been urging Ed to run for governor for at least a couple of years. We talk about his race, what changed his mind, and his competition—both Republican and Democrat. Plus, we do get a chance to talk about fraud, including what he will do about it as governor.

Plus, we talk about that all-important No Gas tax petition drive that will not only help Ed Diehl win Oregon’s 2026 governor’s race, but help sink Democrats. Democrats might not lose their majorities in the house or senate—although they just might find themselves in the minority after November—hey will definitely lose their super majorities in both chambers.

Want to find out more about Ed Diehl, candidate for Oregon governor? Head to Ed’s website. Remember: deep pocket donors wait to see how many smaller donors are sending in money. They need to see that interest. It’s their way of judging a candidate’s chances before committing bigger money.

Then we welcome back Eric Lee, senior attorney on Judicial Watch’s election integrity team, to discuss their lawsuit against Oregon to force them to clean up their voter rolls. And there was a major admission on Oregon’s part about its dirty rolls just last week. Whoops.

But before we get there, we get Eric’s take on last week’s SCOTUS ruling in Bost v. Illinois Board of Elections. On the surface, it was about whether a candidate had standing. But dig a little (which the leftstream media did its best not to do) and it is much. much bigger. How much bigger? Enough that it could fundamentally change elections. And people might just trust them again.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Oregon Quietly Loosens Voter Registration Rules Days Before Christmas: State Rep (Seattle Red, Dec 29, 2025)
Political Prisoner Tina Peters Put in Solitary Confinement; Reportedly to be Charged With Felony Assault (The Gateway Pundit, Jan 19, 2026)
DOJ serves subpoenas to Walz, Frey and other Minnesota officials amid immigration crackdown (NBC News, Jan 20, 2026)
Oregon Election Officials to Begin Purging Rolls of Inactive Voters (Willamette Week, January 9, 2026)
SoS Press Release: Oregon to Resume Routine Cleanup of Outdated, Inactive Voter Registration Records with New Directives from Secretary of State Tobias Read (Oregon Secretary of State Press Release, January 8, 2026)

15-49 Democrats Starting to Panic? No Gas Tax Blowing up Oregon Dems

By Dr Mark | December 5, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-49 Summary: We talk with Oregon State Rep., Ed Diehl, about the phenomenal No Gas Tax petition effort to get insight on why it’s been so successful, with nearly double their goal and well ahead of schedule. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at what insiders said why it would never work, and the dirty tricks unions, Democrats, and Governor Kotek used to try to derail it — and could still use to derail it. Plus, some scandals in other blue states that almost certainly have happened here, and how they are doing it. Thanks to the fraud gateway Elon Musk uncovered.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: December 6th & 7th, 2025 | Guest: Representative Ed Diehl

No Gas Tax Signatures Explode Beyond Wildest Expectations

How can you tell when elected Democrats start to panic? When they blame someone else for the problems they created. How can you tell when elected Democrats aren’t starting to panic? When they blame someone else for the problems they created.

This week, we talk with Rep. Ed Diehl (HD-17) about the phenomenal signature gathering effort to get insight on why it’s been so successful. As of our interview, they already have more than double their goal and way ahead of schedule. It has been a true grassroots effort, with zero paid signature gatherers.

Haven’t signed yet? Visit NoTaxOR.com

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at what insiders were saying why it would fail—and the dirty tricks unions, democrats, and Governor Kotek used to try to derail it. And dirty tricks they could still use to derail it. So much for Democrats being for “democracy,” right?

And then there are the scandals in other blue states that almost certainly have happened here, ones we already know happened here, and how they are doing it. Plus, the Far Left’s political strategy on “affordability” and the “fraud gateway” that Elon Musk’s DOGE uncovered.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

The No Gas Tax petition website is NoTaxOR.com. Haven’t signed? There is still time to do so. Find signature-gathering locations near you.
The Lies democrats tell. Remember the “fake electors” scandal — and the lawsuits that followed? Including Fani Willis’s prosecution? Yeah. It was based on a lie. “Requiem for a scandal” (Washington Examiner, December 1, 2025)
The fraud gateway: “Elon Musk Details DOGE’s Most Shocking Discoveries — and Why AI Is Key to Solving the Debt Crisis” (Joe Rogan Experience Clips, YT Channel, Nov 1, 2025)
Kotek Strikes Back as Gas Tax Petition Hits 150,000 (KDOV, FB post, Dec 1, 2025)
Explosive signature gathering weekend (Oregon Catalyst, Nov 24, 2025)
3 big ODOT resignations this month (Stop the Gas Tax, Nov 24, 2025)
Over 150K signatures collected to put Oregon transportation bill up for vote, group says (KPTV Fox 12, Nov 25, 2025)

15-46 Economics Intelligence | The Only Way Socialism Works (It Doesn’t)

By Dr Mark | November 17, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-46 Summary: People who fail to understand how economics works vote for socialism. Which says all you need to know about the New York City and Seattle elections last week. Socialism is unique in that it is the only form of slavery that people voluntarily vote themselves into. There is one way socialism works. But it doesn’t on its own. Find out more as we talk with Jonathan Williams, president and chief economist of ALEC. After weeks of success, Trump has floated some bad ideas lately. What is happening and why?

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: November 15th & 16th, 2025 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – Economics, Socialism, and Elections

Plato, some 400 years before Christ, said of Greece’s democracy, “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” And that’s true. Similarly, One of the penalties for refusing to understand how economics work is you end up voting for socialism. Which says all you need to know about the New York City election last week.

Socialism is unique in that it is the only form of slavery that people voluntarily vote themselves into. And that happens because people who fail to understand how economics works vote for socialism. Nothing is free. To say otherwise is a lie.

Socialism promises free. But note they never promise freedom. Because by definition, you can’t have freedom if you’re dependent on the government.

But host, Mark Anderson predicts New York City’s socialism will succeed. For a little while. Why? For the simple reason the democrat socialists, cannot allow socialism to fail publicly on the world’s largest stage in what used to be the heart of capitalism.

What’s Happening with Trump?

Trump’s tariffs have been massively successful. They have brought in some $200 billion while getting more exports and better trade deals. Plus, the massive price increase that democrats hoped for never happened. But in the middle of that, the Supreme Court has taken up tariffs. Could they be about to upend all that good? And give the power to negotiate trade deals to Congress? Really? They couldn’t even keep the government open.

But those tariffs proved that Trump is usually right. Remember how many people were against them? Trump usually has really good ideas. Brilliant ones. But every so often, after weeks or even months of success, he floats some real stinkers. A 50-year mortgage? Tariff bonus checks — while we’re putting more than $2 trillion on the nation’s credit card every year, and $38 trillion in debt?

But he’s still putting out good ideas. Like the idea to move Obamacare payments away from insurance companies and send it directly to people, which will increase competition and reverse the free-market abuse Obamacare unleashed on healthcare.

Once again, with their shutdown ransom demands for $1 trillion of free money (there’s that “free” again) for Obamacare subsidies, Democrats may have backed themselves right into a trap. Because they agreed to end the shutdown in exchange for a debate about spending even more on the “Affordable” Care Act. It was never affordable. Just like nothing socialism offers is ever free.

Get a little more intelligence on economics. So you don’t vote for socialism.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Jonathan is the president and chief economist organization at American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
- Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them. Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
- And you too can join as a private-sector member!
- Follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing.
Job cuts in October hit highest level for the month in 22 years, Challenger says (MSNBC, Nov 6, 2025)
- Layoff announcements soared in October as companies recalibrated staffing levels during the artificial intelligence boom, a sign of potential trouble ahead for the labor market, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Private payrolls rose 42,000 in October, more than expected and countering labor market fears, ADP says (MSNBC, Nov 5, 2025)
VIDEO: ‘I Don’t Understand’: Barrett Grills Lawyer Arguing Against Trump’s Tariffs About IEEPA Authority (Forbes Breaking News YouTube Channel, Nov 7, 2025)

15-42 “Real Socialism” hasn’t been Tried…? How About “Real Slavery”?

By Dr Mark | October 18, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-42 Summary: There comes a time when you must do something before it’s too late. First, you have to recognize when and why. And then it’s time to take a stand. The UK is lurching—sprinting, really—toward the point of no return to shackle every citizen to the government to control every aspect of their lives. And, closer to home, Oregon is on the path to take even more money from its people. But we can stop it. Find out how.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: October 18th & 19th, 2025 | Guests: Rep. Ed Diehl & James Hirsen

This Week – Big Government Speeding toward Slavery

This week we’re talking about big government trying to get bigger. Right here at home in Oregon, it’s about taxing people more than ever after the passage of the ODOT tax and spend bill. Fortunately, there’s a way to stop it before it starts its engine.

We talk with Representative Ed Diehl and the effort to stop the ODOT tax from going into effect? How? By letting the people of Oregon decide, not elected democrats forcing it on people. And make no mistake. Democrats forced this bill by ignoring voters. They passed it despite over 95% opposition.

Now the Democrat governor is playing games by not signing the bill she called an “emergency.” And it’s, once again, to ignore the voice of the people to limit the time signature gatherers will have to get it on the ballot.

We talk with Ed about the rules and the strategies to get around the Democrats’ roadblocks.

Take a stand against big government—get involved! Big government only grows and gets abusive because people don’t say no. The ODOT tax is not just about a five cents tax increase and hundred more in new fees. It is the abusive way it was passed. It’s about forcing government to live inside its income. And it’s just the beginning—unless we stop it now.

Start here: visit NoTaxOregon.com to volunteer, donate(!), and help spread the word.

Real Socialism = Real Slavery

In the second-half of the show we talk with James Hirsen about digital IDs that are already in the process of being implemented over in the UK. Worse, they are paired with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). This gives the government the ability to quite literally track everything that you do. And it will be even more powerful by using A.I.

Read James Hirsen’s article: “The Mandating of Digital IDs and CBDCs”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared no one will be able to work or buy or sell or get government benefits unless they have a digital ID. For you Christians out there, yes, it sounds remarkably like the “mark of the beast” mentioned in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation.

Because the UK is pairing the digital ID with Central Bank Digital Currencies. No more cash. Which means the government can shut off your money anytime it wants to. Or prevent you from buying things. Or paying your mortgage or rent.

And in case you think that’s just conspiracy theory, remember: it already happened in Canada when the truckers had their bank accounts switched off when they protested the covid lock downs.

Once again. It’s happening now. Because people did not stand up to big government then.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

To stop the ODOT tax increase. Head to NoTaxOR.com to see what you can do. Volunteer signature gatherers, get training, spread the word. They need half a million dollars to save Oregonians $4.3 billion in new taxes. Please donate to help with expenses.
- Watch the No Tax Oregon Volunteer Kickoff Webinar to find out what they need and what you can do
All of James Hirsen’s articles can be found at JamesHirsen.com but the one we talked about this week was “The Mandating of Digital IDs and CBDCs”

More info:

Want to gather signatures? There are rules you need to follow. Download the Petition Circulator Manual
Want to know more about the referendum process? You can also download the Referendum Manual
Governor delay in signing transportation bill limits GOP time for referendum, experts say (Capital Chronicle, Oct 15, 2025)

15-40 What Now, Cash Cow? | Democrat Spending and Grift Hits a Pothole

By Dr Mark | October 5, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-40 Summary: This week we look at Democrat spending and grift. Some of Democrats’ taxpayer-funded spending spree is being cut off. Trump made it clear at his U.N. speech, the climate change hysteria money spigot from the U.S. is being turned off. So what will Democrats do now? And Oregon Democrats who are determined to spend at all costs, voters be damned, shoved through the ODOT spending spree. So what can voters do now?

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: October 4th & 5th, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Rep. Ed Diehl

This Week – Democrat Spending and Grift

Since our very first year on air, 2011, we have said if you want to stop the far-left, then take away the money they get from taxpayers.

Yes, it is that simple.

Thankfully, someone got the idea of that to President Trump. Because he is pulling the plug on green energy and Climate Change* funding. This is billions upon billions flowing from taxpayers to democrat-affiliated “environmental” organizations, studies at far-left universities to publish papers “proving” climate change and to find better ways to spread Global Warming* propaganda fear to keep the funding going. And that money comes back to democrats who vote for more Climate Change money. That does nothing for the environment. But does keep far-left activism funded.

* We capitalize Climate Change and Global Warming because they are a religion, not science

We welcome back Craig Rucker, the president of CFACT, to talk about Trump’s UN speech, and what the far-left and democrats will do now that taxpayer money is being cut off. And there is nothing a far-leftist hates more than to be forced to spend their own money. Or do something to earn it.

Plus, there’s a new danger from “green” energy that many people may not have heard yet: PFAS. These are the “forever chemicals” we’re discovering in so many of the things we buy. And it’s leeching into our food and water supplies.

PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, including cancer, developmental issues, liver disease, low fertility, and hormone problems among others.

It turns out, not too surprisingly, that PFAS are in some solar panels and may be leeching into the ground when it rains. And where is the new craze to slap up solar panels? On farm land.

ODOT Spending Spree Becomes Law – Now What?

Despite overwhelming public outcry against the ODOT tax increase, Oregon Democrats spending continues unabated. And unnecessarily so. The Republicans’ plan would have not raised any taxes and instead forced ODOT to live within its means and reprioritize its existing spending.

But why do that when Democrats are hungry for money. Unions need money. And Democrats need unions. That’s why. And while they say they are all for “democracy,” even that’s a lie. Republicans put forward an amendment to simply ask the voters to decide whether to pass the ODOT tax. But Democrats rejected it.

We talk with Rep. Ed Diehl (R-17) about the Democrats’ unquenchable thirst for more money and the timeline of the ODOT bill roll out. There is already a referendum being put together but there are a lot of games Democrats can play to derail it. Tune in to find out what — and what you can do to help. (Hint: visit NoTaxOR.com to find out more.)

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Craig Rucker’s organization is CFACT
Visit NoTaxOR.com, to help stop the ODOT $4.5 billion spending spree bill from going into effect. We need to hit the ground running!
Regulators weigh billion-dollar utility takeovers as bills rise for consumers (Fox17, Sep 27, 2025)
- “Private equity giants like BlackRock and Blackstone are buying local utilities to power AI-driven data centers, sparking ratepayer and regulator concerns”
Ford CEO expects EV sales to be cut in half after end of tax credits (CNBC, Sep 30, 2025)
- “…the industry learned that ‘partial electrification,’ such as hybrids, are easier for customers to accept for the time being.”
Trump administration to expand coal leasing, fund coal plant upgrades (CNBC, Sep 29, 2025)
Trump’s fiery UN speech targets immigration, climate change and global conflicts (National Security News, Sept 25, 2025)

15-34 Showdown: HB2025 Special Session, ODOT Tax Increase

By Dr Mark | August 23, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-34 Summary: Oregon Democrats are at it again. This week, it’s about prepping for the big special session coming up Friday, August 29th, to stop the Democrats from trying to ram through a massive tax increase disguised as ODOT funding in HB 2025. But is the ODOT tax increase really necessary? We talk with representative Alek Skarlatos about what’s happening and things he has seen as a freshman representative. Including some mismanagement at ODOT he personally knows about.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: August 23 & 24, 2025 | Guest: Alek Skarlatos

This Week – ODOT Tax Increase Special Session

Okay. Let’s start off with the most important thing about this week’s show: take action. Don’t be silent.

Submit your testimony to the legislative committing hearing HB 2025. And don’t forget to contact your legislators personally. Contact info for representatives is here and for senators is here.
Not sure who your legislators are? We’ve got you covered: use this map (search by address is in the top left).
And it wouldn’t hurt to let squishy Republican representatives Cyrus Javadi and Kevin Mannix know you want them to vote no.

Massive Oregon Tax Increase: ODOT Will Penalize Everyone

Some taxes you can avoid. Like sales taxes (and, yes, Oregon has sales taxes, just not on everything). But the ODOT tax increase will impact everyone. If you buy anything, it arrives on a truck. And often, it involves multiple trucks. At each stage, each of those trucks will be paying more. So you will be paying more. If you go to the store in a car, you get personally hit.

And it’s unnecessary. Oregon Republicans came up with a plan to make sure ODOT was fully funded — without raising taxes. Just force ODOT to prioritize its current spending. And stop ODOT”s wasteful spending.

Shouldn’t all wasteful spending in government come to a screeching halt?

ODOT Mismanagement

We welcome back Alek Skarlatos, a freshman representative from Oregon’s HD-4 in Oregon’s southwest. Alek is seeing the session through fresh eyes and it’s not always pretty. We talk about the upcoming special session. And we talk about reforming ODOT. There’s no question it wastes money. And there is even evidence of fraud. (See “fraud” in the show notes below.)

But perhaps the answer to Oregon’s Department of Transportation isn’t in Oregon. It’s across the ocean.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Don’t be silent. And don’t wait! Get your comments in before Friday’s special session!
- Submit your testimony to the legislative committing hearing HB 2025. And don’t forget to contact your legislators personally. Contact info for representatives is here and for senators is here.
- Not sure who your legislators are? We’ve got you covered: use this map (search by address is in the top left).
- It wouldn’t hurt to let squishy Republican representatives Cyrus Javadi and Kevin Mannix know you want them to vote no. Let the democrats get the blame.
As of our interview with Alek Thursday afternoon, the latest version of HB 2025 hadn’t even been released yet. But it is now. Read the latest draft of HB2025 (PDF).
Looks like fraud: ODOT retroactively changes bids to hide its overspending. “Unaccountable: ODOT covers up cost overruns” (City Observatory, May 22, 2025)
- “ODOT also has a practice of “re-baselining” a project—retroactively altering the initial cost estimate to conceal cost increases. …ODOT permits itself to change the baseline construction budget—”re-baselining”— after a project has started construction. This practice allows ODOT staff to retroactively change the base budget for the project, allowing it to claim that the cost of the project hasn’t increased, and hiding cost overruns.”
- How is that even legal? If a private business cooked their books like that, it’s hard to imagine how everyone involved not ending up in jail. Pretty sure an accountant would lose their license if they changed budgets after the fact to hide overruns.

More Reasons ODOT Needs a Full Audit

ODOT’s “Strategic Review”: Conflicted consultants whitewashing mismanagement (City Observatory, March 28, 2025)
ODOT’s Reign of Error: Chronic highway cost overruns (City Observatory, June 9, 2025)
In Extraordinary Hearing, ODOT Explains Billion-Dollar Budget Blunder (WWeek, Fen 26, 2025) *The transportation agency failed to perform a basic accounting function.
ODOT’s Most Persistent Critic Says the State Could Solve Its Road-Funding Crunch—by Scuttling Some Projects (WWeek, Aug 20, 2025)
Audit finds ODOT overestimated revenue by $1.1 billion for 2023-25 (Central Oregon Daily News, Feb 26, 2025)
Audits reveal ODOT projects from 2017 funding package are over budget and behind schedule (OPB, Feb 20, 2025)
Kotek’s hissy fit: ODOT layoffs announced: Potholes fixes, fire prevention, plowing, camp cleanups take a hit July 7, 2025 (Central Oregon Daily News, July 7, 2025)
ODOT doesn’t have an extra billion dollars after all, which may result in shelved projects (KGW, March 5, 2025)

15-28 The Big Beautiful Bill is the Beginning Not the End

By Dr Mark | July 12, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 15-28 Summary: Not to sound too much like Nancy Pelosi but now that the One Big Beautiful Bill passed, we know what’s in it. It was making a lot of people lose their minds perhaps because they didn’t understand the bill and what could or could not be in it. It’s clear they didn’t read it and listened to the wrong analysts. Which is why it will make people like Elon Musk and his very public temper tantrum look very foolish.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: July 12th & 13th, 2025 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – The Big Beautiful Bill Passed — Now What?

Nancy Pelosi famously said about Obamacare that “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it.” And now that we have the final version of the Big Beautiful Bill, we do know what’s in it.

But leading up to its final passage, it made a lot of people lose their minds. Legislators should know better but a lot of grassroots did not understand what a reconciliation bill was and how limited they are — just to budget items that affect federal spending or revenue. Which is why it could never be “the one bill” to accomplish everything America First that everyone wanted. So why didn’t the people who ought to have known better say that? Rather than try to sabotage it?

Perhaps they had their own agenda. And, as typical, they wanted something other than what they were saying.

Elon Musk — The Spoiled Kid in the Grocery Store

Spoiled brat Elon Musk throws temper tantrum over the One Big Beautiful Bill — click for full size

By definition, a reconciliation is limited. Not only in terms of what can or can’t be in it but also what budgetary items it can cut. It doesn’t take much to understand that. So someone as smart as Elon had to know that. Which implies then that he wanted something else. And his public shrieking tantrum was calculated. He had to know they couldn’t make the massive cuts he said he wanted. So it’s clear he either didn’t read the bill or listened to the wrong analysts. Or made the calculated move to get attention, blame people, and offer the solution. A third party with the goal to selectively to pick off vulnerable Republicans to be the key swing votes in Congress.

But Elon Musk’s temper tantrum gambit will look pretty foolish when the Big Beautiful Bill succeeds. He’ll not only look like the spoiler but what he is. Spoiled.

How do we know? Hint: everyone was predicting the end of the economic world after Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Now they’re admitting they were wrong.

The Big Beautiful Bill Reality

Now that the bill was passed and signed, the fury has died down—mostly—we welcome back Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to get some truth and reality about what was in it. No. It wasn’t perfect. Yes we would have liked more spending cuts.

But while the shrieking and tantruming was happening the detractors missed a key part of the bill. It codified 28 of Trump’s exectutive orders. They’re no longer executive orders, easily undone by the next president with a pen. Now they are law. And, even better, for those demanding more cuts, once the bill was passed and signed, President Trump used his executive power to rescind (cut) spending on key points. Like stopping the green energy credits and Global Warming spending.

But. And here’s the biggest and most overlooked aspect of the Big Beautiful Bill. It doesn’t end here. It’s the beginning.

Did you feel the political ground under you shift? Because unlike so many other big gigantic bills, this was about cutting spending, cutting taxes, and cutting the size and scope of government. And some actual entitlement reforms. When is the last time that happened? Maybe in the 1990s with Newt Gingrich?

And this isn’t some deep red state doing it. This is Washington DC. And it’s just the beginning. There are already plans in the works for two more bills like it to make further cuts and to push more of the America First agenda.

And that’s why, with the Trump Train rolling, people like Elon Musk standing on the platform shrieking about what is not on the train will look pretty foolish as the train pulls away without them.

Rich States, Poor States. Poor Oregon.

We also talk with Jonathan about Oregon’s latest ranking in the 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States. Jonathan is one of its co-authors. For anyone who lives in Oregon, it will come as no surprise that we dropped one point from last year.

But Oregon made some recent economic bungles that have come to light? How bad would it have been for Oregon’s ranking if these had come to light before the latest edition had been released?

Related:
Show 15-23 with Jennifer Hamaker – Oregon’s Climate Protection Plan’s planned devastation to Oregon’s economy — conveniently phased in after the 2026 election
Show 15-25 with Ed Diehl Oregon’s HB2025, the ODOT tax bill, which would have been the biggest tax increase in Oregon’s history

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Jonathan is the president and chief economist organization at American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
- Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them. Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
- And you too can join as a private-sector member!
- Follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing.
See the list: Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill codifies 28 executive orders and actions
Steve Moore: Trump just scored the biggest conservative victory in three decades (Fox News, July 10, 2025)
- “What isn’t well known is that this new law doesn’t just change tax policy. It includes dozens of other long-sought policy goals – what I call ‘hidden gems’.”
Conservatives say Trump won their megabill votes by promising crackdown on renewable energy credits (Politico, July 3, 2025)
- “Hard-line House conservatives said President Donald Trump assured them his administration would take action to constrict wind or solar projects that qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits — a pledge that ultimately persuaded them to back the party’s megabill.” → A promise kept with Trump’s rescission package.
Johnson says megabill will be ‘jet fuel’ for economy; teases 2 future bills within next year (Fox News, July 6, 2025)
- Johnson said the BBB is just the first step in a three-tier strategy. Johnson expects a second reconciliation bill by fall and a third by spring before the end of the current Congress. “You’ll see more of us advancing these common-sense principles to deliver that American First agenda”
Trump says U.S. struck trade deal with Vietnam that imposes 20% tariff on its imports (CNBC, July 2, 2025)
U.S. Supreme Court Greenlights Trump’s Federal Government Purge (GWP, July 8, 2025)
Supreme Court allows Trump to implement plans (Scotusblog, June 8, 2025)
- In an 8 to 1 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Clinton-appointed judge’s ruling that temporarily stopped Trump to do mass layoffs. Now his administration can immediately move forward

Sorry Democrats. The BBB Does NOT End Social Security

Social Security letter on taxes sends confusing message, some experts say (Washington Post, July 4, 2025)
Megabill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security — But it does increase the standard deduction for seniors.
- Tax exemption for Social Security goes from 64 percent to 88 percent.
Does the “big, beautiful bill” eliminate taxes on Social Security? (CBS News, July 8, 2025)

The One Big Beautiful Bill is the Start, Not the End

Arrington sees another chance to notch conservative wins, spending cuts in second megabill (Politico, July 8, 2025)
Ron Johnson believes he will get ‘second bite of the apple’ on Medicaid cuts (Politico, July 9, 2025)
Senate Finance Chair endorses a second megabill this fall (Politico, July 8, 2025)
Ag secretary says able-bodied Medicaid recipients should replace immigrant farm workforce (Politico, July 8, 2025)

Green Energy isn’t So Green Anymore

Funny how Global Warming believers suddenly change their beliefs when they aren’t paid to believe them any more.

Politico Deeply Disappointed That Democrats Are ‘Retreating’ on Climate Change (GWP, July 7, 2025)
Brussels proposes softened 90 percent 2040 climate target (Politico, July 2, 2025)
Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Solar, Wind Energy Tax Credits (Epoch Times, July 8, 2025)
Trump Issues Order To End Green Energy Gravy Train (The Daily Caller News Foundation, July 8, 2025)

Oregon’s Economic Outlook Not Looking Good

Intel begins massive layoffs (Tech Power, July 8, 2025)
Intel plans ‘several months’ of job cuts (OregonLive, April 24, 2025)
Intel begins layoffs (KOIN, July 7, 2025)
- Within Intel’s manufacturing division, known as Intel Foundry, the company plans to eliminate up to 20 percent of technician, engineer, and researcher positions in its Oregon facilities.
New I-5 Bridge tolls may hit $20 (Taxpayer Assoc, July 9, 2025)