State Representatives Lieber and Sanchez, who represent parts of Portland, wrote in the Oregonian that “Trump’s cuts” in the One Big Beautiful Bill are causing a “billion dollar problem for Oregon with no easy solutions.” They also highlighted the need to “grow private sector jobs (to) stimulate our broader economy and provide good wages to hardworking Oregonians.”
The editorial does not mention that every Democrat in Oregon’s federal delegation voted against the Big Beautiful Bill. Supporters of the bill argue it protected Oregonians from a 20% federal tax increase set to take effect soon. According to critics, if Democrats had allowed this tax increase, small businesses could have been severely impacted, jobs lost, and a recession possible.
Lieber and Sanchez maintain that their intent is to “stimulate the broader economy and grow jobs,” but opponents question how this would be achieved alongside plans to raise taxes and keep current business regulations unchanged.
The representatives also state that reduced federal funds will “hamper economic activity and risk business closures at a time when we can least afford it.” Critics interpret this as support for higher taxes with government spending decisions replacing individual choices. They argue that sustainable job growth comes from the private sector rather than government programs.
Oregonians are encouraged by some voices to contact Lieber and Sanchez with concerns about spending, taxes, and regulatory policies affecting local businesses.
Cliff Bentz is currently serving in Congress representing Oregon’s 2nd district after replacing Greg Walden in 2021. Bentz has served in Congress since 2021. He previously held positions in both the Oregon House of Representatives from 2008 to 2018 and the Oregon State Senate from 2018 to 2020. Bentz was born in Salem, Oregon in 1952 and now lives in Ontario. He graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a BA in 1974 and earned his JD from Lewis & Clark College in 1977.
