HR Articles

Job Creation in Oregon Hinges on Governor's Plan

If you're a construction worker looking for a job in Oregon, help may be on the way.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski and other legislative leaders recently announced a plan to deliver a large transportation package that would create tons of jobs. According to an article by The Seattle Times, Kulongoski was scheduled today to appear at a legislative hearing for the plan.

The plan could ultimately raise the state gas tax and vehicle fees, but would pay for road and bridge improvements and create thousands of construction jobs, something that would extremely helpful in a world with many job seekers.

"We need to put people back to work," Kulongoski said in the article. "And you can accomplish more good on that score by investing in public infrastructure than you can throwing public money at banks and financial institutions."

There are currently no details about the package Kulongoski plans to submit in January. However, it will take into consideration recommendations made by a committee that looked at short-term and long-term steps needed to address Oregon's $1.3 billion transportation-maintenance shortfall.

That committee called for a gas-tax increase between 2 and 8 cents per gallon, doubling the vehicle-titling fee to $110, raising the registration fee to $81 per year from $27 per year and adding a $100-per-year fee for titling new cars in the state.

"The state's 24-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax is still the biggest single source of money for Oregon's road and bridge program," the article notes. "Moves to increase it haven't been popular. Oregonians trounced the most recent attempt — a nickel-a-gallon increase in 2000.

"But the path to a possible gas-tax increase became easier in last Tuesday's election when Democrats won 36 seats in the Oregon House, and thus the ability to raise taxes or fees without Republican help," the article added.

Job Search Tips

These days many people are on a job search. Some are having luck and others aren't. No matter what side of the fence you're on, there are some tips that may help.

PerfectJob Software, which helps individuals systematically launch, manage and organize their job search process, recently released a press release with some tips for those hunting for work. Steven D. Davies, founder and president, said savvy job seekers find employment by combining typical methods such as networking, referrals and working with recruiters, while at the same time using high-tech methods like job boards, resume submission services and social networking sites.

It is suggested job seekers prioritize their activities and tasks related to the job search, while assigning specific due dates for commitments to others. It's important to find a realistic start date and allow enough time for completion.

Job seekers also should maintain momentum by smoothly transitioning from one activity to the next.

"One-third of job seekers stop in their second month of looking," the release notes. "During this dangerous month, try to add an additional task or two at the end of each day, to ensure you continue to move forward."

If you're looking for work you should be aggressive about completing your tasks, and should make sure to try to finish all of the most important items each day.

Finally, job seekers should add at least one new task that will expand the universe of jobs they are pursuing every day.

"This might include sending an inquiry to an industry leader that you've always admired or calling a small company that is growing in a different field from yours," the release adds. "Become comfortable trying new things: it keeps you more nimble and the search more interesting."

Founded in 2007, PerfectJob is an integrated system focused on helping job seekers find a new job more quickly. The software is available today as an Internet download, and will be available later this year as an online service.