Oregon

SAN FRANCISCO — The Oregon Legislature closed its February special session last week after approving $140 million of bond-financed construction projects — legislation that would enable the state to sell Build America Bonds — and a bill that expands the types of projects that can be financed with general obligation debt.

The Oregon House last week unanimously approved a bill that would allow state Treasurer Ben Westlund to use Build America Bonds.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Oregon Legislature won’t send voters Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s proposal to change the state’s tax rebate law to bolster its rainy-day fund, lawmakers said late last week.

SAN FRANCISCO — Oregon revenue collections continue to fall short of expectations, according to the state’s latest forecast.

SAN FRANCISCO — Oregon voters approved $727 million of tax hikes Tuesday, keeping the state’s budget balanced amid a sharp economic contraction.

Oregon’s unemployment rate held at 11.3% in October, holding at an eight-month low, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

SAN FRANCISCO — California, Oregon, and Nevada have taken a harsh battering in the Great Recession, but lawmakers in the three Far West states have reacted very differently.