March 30 2021
Sales top $1 billion, but the state s marijuana economy faces federal tax code woes, crime, wildfires and lawmakers eager for revenue
They ve never been higher.
Oregon recreational marijuana sales have climbed to record highs, but some say the industry s woes also have reached an apex. The difficulties range from an unfavorable federal tax code to a dangerous crime wave, wildfires, and cities and counties hungry for a larger slice of the tax pie. Businesses are still struggling, says Kim Lundin, executive director of the Oregon Cannabis Association. High sales don t transfer to overall industry success.
But the marijuana milestone $1.1 billion in sales in 2020, blowing past the $795 million benchmark set in 2019 has started a battle for cash at the state Capitol regardless.
Maybe you say, “The government is making too many regulations that interfere with running my business the way I want.” But really, who makes those decisions?
Paperwork squabble threatens bill to protect lawyers clients
Enacted in 15 other states, a proposed consumer safeguard faces obstacles in Oregon.
In 2019, when Portland attorney Lori Deveny was indicted for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from her clients, it was just the latest instance in which an Oregon lawyer was accused of improperly diverting settlement cash into their own pocket.
Now, a consumer protection bill designed to curb the unsavory practice faces an uncertain future despite strong support from the Oregon State Bar, the quasi-governmental organization that regulates lawyers.
The bill s premise is simple. It requires that when an insurer pays a settlement to a client s lawyer, it alerts the client it has done so.
More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since Feb 1, 2021. - Reuters
WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar s junta will be paid $2 million to assist in explaining the real situation of the army s coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the U.S. Justice Department show.
More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since Feb. 1, when Myanmar s generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ari Ben-Menashe and his firm, Dickens & Madson Canada, will represent Myanmar s military government in Washington, as well as lobby Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Russia, and international bodies like the United Nations, according to a consultancy agreement.
An Israeli-Canadian lobbyist hired by Myanmar's junta will be paid $2 million to 'assist in explaining the real situation' of the army's coup to the United States and other countries, documents filed with the US Justice Department show.
More than 60 protesters have been killed and 1,900 people have been arrested since February 1, when Myanmar's generals seized power and detained civilian leaders including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.