From Anthony Smith, state director for NFIB in Oregon, on the release today of the monthly NFIB Small Business Optimism Index showing a decline of 2.0 points in September to 98.8. This was the first decline in three months, though it remains above the survey’s 52-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose seven points from August to 100, the fourth-highest reading in over 51 years.

“What is extremely noteworthy is that although small business optimism slipped in September, it didn’t fall below its 52-year average, especially when you remember how many post-pandemic years – years! – it took to finally rise above it. Sure, there’s economic uncertainty out there, which is intensified in Oregon by unforced errors like recently passed transportation tax increases and further talk of rais

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