Your monthly round-up of news, policy updates and more from the OBI team. |
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Today we take a moment to thank and celebrate all those who have served and are currently serving our country. On behalf of our members and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for all who have served. Happy Veterans Day! |
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Federal OSHA Releases Rule Requiring Large Private Employers to Mandate Vaccines; OR-OSHA Language Forthcoming |
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On Nov. 4 federal OSHA released the anticipated rule mandating vaccinations for all employees at private businesses with 100 or more employees. Employees will have until January 4, 2022, to be vaccinated or begin weekly testing. Employers are required to provide paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and for any side effects. The rule also provides that employees who do not get vaccinated will have to be tested weekly and employees may be required to pay for their own tests, however the rule notes that state laws or other agreements (e.g., collective bargaining agreements) may take precedence.
Oregon is an approved state plan, so Oregon OSHA will have to adopt rules that are “at least as effective” as the federal rules. The division will have until around Nov. 19 to inform federal OSHA how they plan to respond and will need to have a rule in place no later than Dec. 5. Oregon’s COVID-19 Rulemaking Advisory Committee started meeting Tuesday, Nov. 9 to discuss next steps and how, if at all, Oregon’s rule will differ from the federal rule. OBI will urge Oregon officials to match the federal standards so that employers have a consistent standard. We continue to caution Oregon OSHA and the governor’s office about how these regulations may harm businesses still trying to recover.
On Saturday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth District issued a stay of the federal OSHA mandate in response to a suit filed by several states challenging the constitutionality of the mandate, particularly the provision preempting some state prohibitions on vaccine mandates. We do expect Oregon OSHA to move forward with the rulemaking conversations despite the stay.
We will keep you updated as we learn more and will keep you updated as we learn more. In the meantime, visit the federal OSHA website for more information about the new rules, including policy templates (based on the federal rule) and some other resources for employers.
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Oregon to Receive Over $3 billion from Federal Infrastructure Package |
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Oregon is expected to receive $3.4 billion for federal and state road projects as well as $268 million for bridge improvements from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress on Nov. 5. The bill is currently waiting to be signed by President Biden. The Oregon Department of Transportation expects to receive over $1 billion dollars alone for projects around the state that will benefit drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians, help maintain roads and bridges, and address climate change.
Besides funding for transportation infrastructure, Oregon could benefit from funding to mitigate catastrophic wildfire and draught, and there is also funding to support broadband connectivity, including an estimated minimum allocation of $100 million in Oregon.
The legislation is still being analyzed to determine just how much money Oregon will receive and how it can be spent. OBI will continue to monitor such investments and work with policymakers on operationalizing these investments in a prudent and impactful way.
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The City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) has modified its proposed emissions tax; the new proposal is open for public comment until Nov. 19. After several months of stakeholder workgroup meetings, BPS decided to shelve the Healthy Climate Fee, a per ton tax on carbon emissions from stationary sources. The city has turned to examining the feasibility of a clean industry incubator in Portland.
Unfortunately, while the Healthy Climate Fee has been, for now, set aside, BPS is moving ahead with its Clean Air Protection Fee and has issued a modified proposal that establishes a base fee of $20,000 for stationary sources that hold Simple, Standard, and Title V permits with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In addition to the base fee, Title V permit holders would pay an additional per ton surcharge of $250 on their emissions.
These same facilities already pay the state for air quality permits, and it is questionable as to whether the city has the authority to impose taxes on these stationary sources.
In addition to the significant impacts on Portland area members, OBI is seriously concerned that other local jurisdictions around the state would follow suit, designing ill-defined schemes as a means to raise revenue.
OBI is working with the Portland Business Alliance and other partners to discourage the city from moving forward. OBI will prepare comments in opposition to the proposal and coordinating comment efforts with affected members. Contact Sharla Moffett if you would like more information on the city’s proposal or how you can engage.
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Proactive Growth and Innovation Strategy |
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Given the growing importance of manufacturing in Oregon and the high-quality jobs that Oregon’s manufacturers create, OBI and other stakeholders are looking at tax incentive measures designed to enhance the innovative and competitive strength of our manufacturing sector. Like other states which have made manufacturing strength a policy priority, OBI wants to encourage policy makers to adopt a research and development tax credit and a capital expenditure tax credit system for Oregon businesses. These measures, we believe, are necessary tools to help Oregon’s manufactures and traded sector industries compete on regional and global stages. If you’re interested in being a part of these conversations, consider joining OBI’s Tax & Fiscal Policy Committee. Contact Scott Bruun for more information.
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FDA Approves Pfizer Vaccine for Children Ages 5 through 11 |
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. In a study of approximately 3,100 children ages 5 through 11, the vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19. No serious side effects were detected in the ongoing study. Next, the CDC will meet to discuss further recommendations. If approved by the CDC, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will review the data and make its recommendation, after which the OHA will issue guidance for administration of the vaccine. |
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Oregon Reaches 80% Vaccination Rate |
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On Oct. 28, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported that 80% of Oregonians aged 18 and older have received at least one dose in their COVID-19 vaccination series, an important step in continuing to decrease the transmission of the virus and new variants. Oregon ranks 20th in the nation for the percentage of residents who have received at least one dose.
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Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Booster Shots Also Approved |
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The FDA, CDC, and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup have approved booster doses for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. Recipients of the Moderna vaccine may receive a booster shot six months after completing their primary vaccination series, and recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a booster shot two months after receiving their first dose. The “mix-and-match” strategy, approved by the FDA, CDC, and Western States Workgroup, allows anyone qualifying for a booster to receive any of the FDA-approved vaccines regardless of their original vaccination.
Click here to learn more about OHA’s recommendations on who should receive a booster.
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Registration Now Open for the 2021 Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit |
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Historic changes underway in global supply chains and markets have created a pivotal opportunity to grow manufacturing and jobs. That, in turn, calls for upgraded workforce education and support that's accessible to more Oregonians. Join the Oregon Business Plan on December 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to hear proposals to build on these opportunities. Tickets are limited, so be sure to register today to secure your seat for the 2021 Leadership Summit!
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Retaining Diverse Talent in Oregon |
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Thank you to our sponsor! |
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Join OBI and Partners in Diversity for Part 2 of our series on Thursday, Nov. 18, 10-11:30 AM.
The team at Partners in Diversity has conducted a comprehensive research project to find solutions on how to retain professionals of color, tailored to the workforce in Oregon and SW Washington. They will present the project, answer your questions, and provide practical next steps for Oregon employers to retain their diverse employees.
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Oregon Business & Industry
1149 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
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