Rep. Diehl: Small businesses face dire challenges

By News Update
In: Uncategorized
Thursday June 5, 2025

By Representative Ed Diehl,
Newsletter Excerpt

Earlier this month, I visited downtown Portland with colleagues to hear directly from small business owners at an economic roundtable. The message was clear: Portland’s business climate is in crisis. Owners shared struggles with high taxes, permit delays stretching months or even years, and the impacts of homelessness, drug addiction, and unsafe streets. One business owner, who relocated from New York City and employs 100 people, expressed frustration, saying they felt they got more for their taxes in NYC—and if things don’t improve, they’re leaving. They demanded more law enforcement, including foot patrols, to restore safety. Notably, tariffs and federal leadership weren’t even mentioned; the real problem is local overregulation and failed policies from progressive governance.

pic

Unless we change leadership in this state, the challenges facing our businesses will only get worse. It’s no wonder downtown Portland is a hollow shell of what it once was. It’s time to take our state back and support our small businesses!

WATCH my remonstrance on X:

Share