Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session: Transportation Turbulence, Tax Conformity, and What’s Next
Release Date: 02/04/2026
Data Centers and the Sales Tax Misnomer
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of the GeTtin' SALTy podcast, host Nikki Dobay is joined by Jared Walczak, Senior Fellow at the Tax Foundation and founder of the Walczak Policy Consulting Group, for a focused discussion on the evolving state and local tax treatment of data centers. Jared explains how many states initially structured their favorable treatment of data center equipment as targeted incentives rather than incorporating that treatment into their existing business input exemption structure (i.e., manufacturing/machinery and equipment exemptions). While the practical effect was largely the same...
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Washington’s Historic Session: A New Income Tax, a Farewell to the Penny, and What Comes Next
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of GeTtin' SALTy, podcast host Nikki Dobay welcomes back Representative April Berg of Washington's 44th District for a deep dive into the 2026 landmark 60-day legislative session in Olympia. Rep. Berg walks through the passage of Washington's new tax - a 9.9% levy on individual income exceeding $1 million - marking the first time Washington, one of a handful of states without an income tax, has enacted one. The conversation covers the constitutional backdrop of the uniformity clause, the century-old case, and why lawmakers believe the new law is on solid legal...
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Oregon's 2026 Short Session Debrief: Transportation, Conformity, and the Politics of Tax Policy
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this post-session episode of the GeTtin' SALTy podcast, host Nikki Dobay is joined by Jeff Newgard of Peak Policy for a comprehensive debrief on Oregon's 2026 short legislative session. Despite being limited to just 35 days, the session tackled a high volume of significant issues. Jeff and Nikki walk through the major tax and policy developments from the session, including the transportation funding referendum, which now heads to a May primary election amid active legal challenges. They discuss the conformity debate and the legislature's decision to disconnect from select federal tax...
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2026 Legislative Roundup: State Budgets, Data Center Tax Trends & Digital Tax Developments
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of the GeTtin' SALTy podcast, host Nikki Dobay welcomes back Morgan Scarboro from MultiState Associates for a lively discussion on the hottest topics shaping state and local tax policy in the 2026 legislative sessions. They take listeners on a round robin tour of key states—Virginia, New York, Illinois, Florida, California, Oregon, and Washington—highlighting budget battles, tax policy rumors, and emerging legislative trends. Major themes include increased scrutiny of data center tax exemptions and their environmental impact, the proliferation of digital advertising...
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Premiums, Policy, and Clarity: Navigating Washington’s Insurance Tax Debate
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of the GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast, host Nikki Dobay is joined by Jim Shea (Senior Vice President and Chief Tax Officer at Prudential) and John Mangan (Vice President and Deputy of State Relations at the American Council of Life Insurers) to break down the complex topic of insurance taxation in Washington State. They discuss the century-old premium tax system, the impact and importance of insurance company investments in the state, and the legislative challenges posed by recent bills (SB 5949/HB 2487) aimed at clarifying the B&O tax exclusion for insurers subject to the...
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Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session: Transportation Turbulence, Tax Conformity, and What’s Next
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of the GeTtin’ SALTy podcast, Nikki Dobay welcomes back Jeff Newgard, Executive Director and Principal of Peak Policy, to discuss Oregon’s 2026 legislative session. As lawmakers convene for a fast-paced 35-day session in an election year, Nikki and Jeff break down the political and policy dynamics shaping the state’s tax landscape. They address the ongoing transportation funding issue—including the recent gas tax increase, partisan passage, and looming voter referendum—along with the latest on federal tax conformity debates, Oregon’s perennial...
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State Tax Revenues in 2026: Slow Growth, Flat Taxes, and Fiscal Uncertainty with Lucy Dadayan
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of GeTtin’ SALTy, host Nikki Dobay welcomes back Lucy Dadayan, Principal Research Associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, as they kickoff the first podcast episode of 2026. Together, they unpack where state revenues stand after a turbulent 2025 and look ahead to what’s in store for the new year. They discuss the drivers behind modest revenue growth, the impact of income tax cuts and shifts toward flat tax structures, and the ongoing challenges with sales and corporate tax collections. Lucy also shares insights on the effects of tariffs, the...
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GeTtin' SALTy 2025 Year in Review: OB3, Digital Ad Taxes, California Surprises & SALT Policy Trends
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
Join host Nikki Dobay for the 2025 GeTtin' SALTy Podcast Year-In-Review, where she revisits some of the biggest state and local tax (SALT) policy stories of the year. This episode recaps key moments, starting with the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) and its impact on state tax conformity, bonus depreciation, and the shift from GILTI to NCTI—with special insights from Jared Walczak. It then dives into Washington state’s new digital advertising and sales tax on services, featuring a lively debate between Rep. April Berg and Professor Richard Pomp about the policy and...
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Year-End SALT Wrap-Up: State Revenue Trends, OB3 Conformity, and What's Ahead for 2026
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this episode of GeTtin' SALTy, host Nikki Dobay welcomes back Jared Walczak, Vice President of State Tax Projects at the Tax Foundation, for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest state and local tax (SALT) policy developments of 2025. Together, Nikki and Jared recap the fiscal health of the states, dig into why some states—like Washington and Maryland—are struggling despite robust revenues, and highlight major tax policy moves from states across the country, including property tax relief and income tax rate changes. The episode takes a deep dive into the impact of the OB3...
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From Railroad Tracks to SALT Stacks: Welcoming Nicki Howard to GT’s State & Local Tax Team
GeTtin’ SALTy Podcast
In this engaging episode of Gettin’ Salty, host Nikki Dobay sits down with the newest member of Greenberg Traurig’s SALT team, Nicki Howard. Nicki shares her journey into the world of tax law, from her early days at UPS to her in-house leadership at CSX, and now her transition to private practice. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of state and local tax, the strategic importance of SALT in mergers and acquisitions, and how Nicki’s practical in-house experience enhances GT’s national SALT capabilities. Listeners will also hear why Nicki chose GT, the power...
info_outlineIn this episode of the GeTtin’ SALTy podcast, Nikki Dobay welcomes back Jeff Newgard, Executive Director and Principal of Peak Policy, to discuss Oregon’s 2026 legislative session.
As lawmakers convene for a fast-paced 35-day session in an election year, Nikki and Jeff break down the political and policy dynamics shaping the state’s tax landscape.
They address the ongoing transportation funding issue—including the recent gas tax increase, partisan passage, and looming voter referendum—along with the latest on federal tax conformity debates, Oregon’s perennial aversion to sales taxes, and the conversation around estate and wealth taxes.
The episode also touches on local developments in Portland, revenue forecasts, and the pressures facing the legislature in a condensed timeline.
Tune in for insights and a few lighter moments as Nikki and Jeff reflect on Oregon’s unique political climate and what it means for taxpayers and businesses in 2026.