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)

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