Oregon consistently has a higher unemployment rate that most of the country. they also have a very generous social welfare program that includes a Medicaid program that is probably second to none in offerings. maybe it attracts folks to the state, or maybe the threshold for public assistance is really low. i don't know.
one thing that does hurt, especially when times are hard, is the hight min wage we have. when everyone is cutting back, those jobs are going to go when they cost the business that much. don't know any kids around here who have been able to find work. that's unusual where i am. i hired one of them to do some work around here, but i sure and heck won't pay that wage for brush work. at least he can keep gas in his car
Oregon is run by a lot of wanna be flower children and CA rejects. they are not very good at managing money and they truly believe that what is mine is theirs to take and redistribute. they are voted in by nutty tree huggers who believe that there are spirits in the trees and fish, so no tree should be cut or fish...fished. the more land blocked off by the state and feds, the better. although i'm not sure they are going to like it when this wonderful breeding ground gets over-crowded and mountain lions start snatching their dust mop dogs.
they spend money on art, beautiful bridge plans, and don't bat an eye at spending millions to move a couple of "rare" bushes that are in the way of a project. they are heavily into public transportation even when the people don't want it and don't use it.
they meet for their sessions and OMG (which they don't believe in anyway), there isn't enough money for everything!!!!
