University of Oregon Economist Tim Duy says it's important that Congress and the President reach agreement on a long term budget plan, to help keep the economy from falling back into recession. “a long run fiscal consolidation matched with some type of short run of fiscal stimulus. I think that your best policy options on the fiscal side.”

The University's latest reading of economic indicators shows a slight decline, but that was due to the temporary labor slowdown at the Port of Portland.

Duy says when that's factored out, Oregon's economy is growing at the same pace it has over the last two decades.