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Letters on campaign finance, Minneapolis deaths, Oregon’s wildlife tax

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Letters on campaign finance, Minneapolis deaths, Oregon’s wildlife tax

Setting limits on campaign spending

Fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Buckley v. Valeo, legitimizing the idea that spending money in elections is a form of free speech. Thirty-four years later, Citizens United v. FEC went even further, granting corporations and unions, not just individuals, the right to spend unlimited sums to influence American elections.

These rulings, and the distorted view of the First Amendment behind them, have had serious consequences. Nearly $15 billion was spent in the 2024 election cycle alone, even as large majorities of Americans agree that money in politics is a threat to our elections. Here in Oregon, where we value civic participation and close-to-the-voter elections, it’s increasingly difficult for ordinary voters to compete with massive outside spending.

Even at the state and local level, Oregonians have limited authority over how money operates in our elections. That power has been centralized in the hands of unelected judges who were never meant to write election policy for the entire nation. It’s part of why everything feels so broken: a system where citizens cannot govern the rules of their own elections is not sustainable.

There is hope. A constitutional amendment would restore the ability of Congress and the states, including Oregon, to set reasonable limits on money in politics. Our nation is at a turning point, and we need to take action now. I encourage my fellow Oregonians to learn more about this vital issue, and urge our elected officials to support a constitutional amendment that will allow us to create common sense limits on the power of money in our elections.

Maud McCole, Eugene

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Other things to consider about Good, Pretti deaths

While we all can agree that the deaths of the two protesters in Minneapolis were regrettable, it should be noted that those deaths were entirely preventable.

First and foremost, the incompetent and corrupt Biden administration allowed millions of illegal aliens into the United States without any sort of vetting or other means of identification.

Second, the sanctuary city policy of Minneapolis makes it very difficult for law enforcement to do their job. This, coupled with a fawning media and cowardly politicians cheering on and encouraging lawlessness, contributed largely to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Raymond Moreno, Eugene

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Support lodging tax increase for wildlife

The most important bill (to these readers) in the 2026 legislative session is HB 4134: “1% for Wildlife.” It adds 1.25% — less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day — to the statewide Tourism Lodging Tax (TLT). This legislation had bipartisan support in the 2025 legislature, but failed to get a floor vote in the Senate before adjournment. Funds raised with this fee go directly to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife and habitat conservation. They assure a sustainable funding stream in the face of uncertain federal funds. This year’s bill adds .25% for wildlife stewardship and rehabilitation programs, including wolf depredation compensation.

Biological diversity — both floral and faunal — knows no geopolitical bounds nor ecological/economic bounds. Wildlife species, and their habitats, abound in Oregon. They transcend whatever artificial bounds we attempt to place upon them. Local, national, and international tourists visit throughout every year to enjoy our oceans, forests, valleys, mountains, watersheds, meadows, and deserts. Thus, in addition to the intrinsic ecological value of biodiversity, the economic value of our wildlife exceeds the investment to sustain it. From whale watchers to bird watchers, hunters to fishers, wildlife opportunities abound. Let’s make sure they stay that way.

Please urge your state representative and senator to vote YES on HB 4134.

David and Judy Berg, Eugene

Former Minneapolis residents horrified

As former residents of South Minneapolis, we are observing the horrifying, sad andgratifying events unfolding in real time; the horrifying killing of Renee Nicole Good, and Alex Pretti, then the sad adolescent, cruel and destructive response of the Trump administration and his sycophants.

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What’s gratifying is to see the same savvy and united uprising of the activist neighborhood, many public officials, and the Twin Cities, and now in Eugene, Springfield, and the many other Oregon towns. Stay strong until ICE stands down and is held accountable.

“I’m not mad at you,” she said, and then Renee Nicole Good was dead …then Alex Pretti…???

Jan Nelson, Edward Winter and Rebecca La Mothe, all Eugene, et al.

Not all protesters are vandals

The First Amendment gives us the right to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of our grievances. To me, this is more than a right. It is my responsibility. If the citizens had not risen up in 1776 in the American Revolution, we would be an English territory under a king. That would have served the king well, but not the rest of us.

So I peacefully assemble and protest against anything that infringes on my freedom or the freedom of others; against anything that goes against the protections of the Constitution’s due process of law. I protest ICE and the many laws they break to meet quota.

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I stand on the corner with my sign and I glory in the endless stream of cars honking in agreement and the occasional middle finger. It is invigorating to see the American spirit is alive and well.

Last Friday, during this peaceful gathering on Seventh and Pearl, a second, smaller gathering took place with a different approach at a slightly different location. They made loud noises and banged on the federal building office windows to the point of breaking the glass. The message was clear and the response was predictable.

I do not favor violence to any degree, from protesters or ICE agents. It draws attention away from the message we had congregated to express. But, I caution myself and others to not use disruption, broken windows or spray paint as an excuse to lump together the entire protesting world, imposing the identity of the minority with the entire movement.

Some people are horribly disturbed at the breaking of windows and spray paint. I’m against it, too. But I am more horrified at what is happening to citizens and guests in the U.S. by the violent and illegal grabbing of people off the streets — like they did in WWII Germany to the Jewish population. So if we are outraged at a broken window more than we are outraged at cruel and atrocious illegal arrests without warrant or due process, we need to rethink our stance and our purpose.

Candy Neville, Eugene

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Not handouts, hands up

What if we could end homelessness — not with handouts, but with high school diplomas?

Research consistently shows that lacking a diploma is the single greatest risk factor for homelessness. Yet traditional education fails millions who learn differently. Global Sovereign University exists to change that.

GSU is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation built on one principle: teach a man to fish. Our free online platform meets learners where they are — whether they’re visual thinkers failed by rigid classrooms, adults seeking trade skills, or anyone overlooked by conventional systems.

What makes us different? Gamified learning that rewards progress. AI tutoring available 24/7. And “Civilization Builders” — retired professionals volunteering as mentors to share real-world wisdom with the next generation.

We don’t measure success by grades. We measure it by changed lives: someone landing their first job, a parent helping their child with homework, a veteran transitioning to civilian employment.

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Education shouldn’t create dependency. It should build capability. GSU provides the tools; learners build their own futures.

Visit GlobalSovereignUniversity.org to learn more, volunteer as a mentor, or support our mission. Together, we can build a bridge to freedom—one learner at a time.

Dr. Gene A Constant, Eugene

Finance

How AI Is Evolving in Sage Intacct and What It Means for Finance Teams | CBIZ

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How AI Is Evolving in Sage Intacct and What It Means for Finance Teams | CBIZ

Organizations are shifting their focus from isolated use cases and standalone tools to connect AI directly to financial data across workflows.

Recent updates to Sage Intacct reflect this trend. The latest capabilities embed AI within everyday processes while also enabling finance teams to extend AI capabilities beyond Sage’s core system in a secure and governed way.

Introducing Finance AI

Sage Intacct has reached a major milestone with the release of Finance AI, now available to all customers at no cost through May 2027.

Finance AI represents the next phase of embedded AI, bringing together purpose-built Sage Copilot and AI agent capabilities for finance teams.

This enables Sage Intacct users to begin applying AI in their workflows immediately, without requiring budget approval or long-term commitment.

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With Finance AI extended, teams can:

  • Test AI-driven workflows in a real environment;
  • Identify high-value use cases across finance; and
  • Build internal adoption and confidence before investing further.

For many organizations, this will serve as the starting point for AI adoption, allowing them to test the technology and expand into more advanced use cases over time.

AI Inside and Around Sage Intacct

Sage continues to expand its AI capabilities through Sage Copilot and a growing set of AI agents designed to streamline operations and improve decision-making across finance.

Applications include:

  • Automating invoice processing to reduce manual effort and errors;
  • Enabling natural language queries to move from question to insight faster;
  • Supporting the close process with task tracking and guidance; and
  • Identifying unusual activity in real time.

With AI now available directly within financial workflows, teams no longer need to work outside the system to incorporate AI enhancements.

Sage is also expanding AI integration capabilities by giving organizations the ability to connect external AI tools to their financial data.

Extending AI with the Sage Intacct AI Gateway

The Sage Intacct AI Gateway is a key part of the platform’s evolution.

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AI Gateway makes secure, AI-enabled access to the Sage Intacct REST API and MCP Server available to all customers and partners.

This opens the door for organizations to build AI solutions that align with their existing tools, processes, and architecture.

With the AI Gateway, finance teams can:

  • Connect external AI tools directly to Sage Intacct data;
  • Build custom AI-driven workflows and use cases;
  • Maintain existing role-based access and permissions; and
  • Use their preferred AI platforms without requiring a specific model or vendor.

In short, it enables organizations to customize their AI while connecting it securely to their financial system.

The Sage Intacct MCP Server: A Controlled Approach to AI Access

At the center of the AI Gateway is the Sage Intacct MCP Server, a secure orchestration layer that manages AI application interactions with Sage Intacct through a single governed endpoint.

Rather than allowing direct, uncontrolled access to financial data, the MCP Server centralizes how AI tools interact with the system.

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Key characteristics include:

  • Real-time, read-only access to core financial areas such as AP, AR, GL, cash management, purchasing, and order entry;
  • Compatibility with MCP-enabled AI clients; and
  • Governance and security aligned with existing user permissions.

The MCP Server does not write data and is not a standalone AI tool. As a read-only model, MCP Server helps ensure data integrity while enabling AI-driven insights and workflows.

Connecting Existing AI Tools with the MCP Connector

To further simplify adoption, Sage has introduced a newly released MCP connector that allows organizations to connect existing AI tools to Sage Intacct.

This removes the need for complex custom integrations and makes it easier to:

  • Bring financial data into broader AI workflows;
  • Extend existing AI investments; and
  • Quickly test and scale new use cases.

Instead of starting from scratch, organizations can build on what they already have while maintaining the governance advantages within the MCP framework.

How These Pieces Work Together

Sage’s AI strategy is built around flexibility and choice. Recent updates enable:

  • Sage Copilot and AI agents bring AI directly into the Sage Intacct experience;
  • AI Gateway and MCP Server enable secure access for external AI tools; and
  • MCP connector links those tools to real financial data.

This layered approach allows organizations to start with embedded capabilities and expand into customized AI solutions as their needs evolve.

Why This Matters

Finance teams are under increasing pressure to deliver faster insights, reduce manual work, and support strategic decision-making.

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AI can help address these challenges, but only if it is connected to the data that matters most.

These Sage Intacct updates make it possible to:

  • Access and use financial data within AI tools securely;
  • Extend AI across systems instead of keeping it siloed; and
  • Maintain control, governance, and auditability.

This is a shift from isolated automation to connected, data-driven workflows.

How CBIZ Can Help

As a leading Sage VAR partner, CBIZ works with organizations to evaluate where AI can drive the most impact. If you’re exploring how to connect AI to your financial data or want to better understand where to start your AI journey, our team can help you define the right approach and build a roadmap aligned to your goals.

Connect with a member of our team to explore how Finance AI, Sage Copilot, and the AI Gateway can support your organization.

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Finance

Treasury Pick Queried on Iran War Fallout to Face Senate Finance

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Treasury Pick Queried on Iran War Fallout to Face Senate Finance

The Senate Finance Committee is set to hear from a panel of Treasury nominees that includes a pick Democrats said was unaware of economic fallout planning ahead of the Iran war and a former executive at Secretary Scott Bessent’s hedge fund.

The July 16 confirmation includes George McMaster, who was the trading chief at Key Square Group, a macro hedge fund run by Bessent, and Sriprakash Kothari, whose behind-the-scenes answers to the panel during the vetting process raised red flags for ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced Thursday the panel will consider McMaster and Kothari …

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Finance

How Banreservas mobilised diaspora capital

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How Banreservas mobilised diaspora capital

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Author: Leonardo Aguilera, CEO, Banreservas


Banreservas’ international expansion strategy is centred on strengthening economic ties with the Dominican diaspora as a strategic economic partner, rather than just operating as a full retail bank abroad, and the bank has successfully used mortgage fairs as part of this expansion strategy. These client-centric engagement events bring together diaspora clients, credible Dominican real estate developers, fiduciary-backed projects and bank representatives in one venue to help address key diaspora challenges such as distance and lack of trusted intermediaries, legal and documentation uncertainty, difficulty assessing projects remotely and limited access to tailored financing.

By simplifying the sending process from the US and Europe, reducing operational friction, and offering greater convenience and security, Banreservas has incentivised increased use of formal remittance channels. This strategy has had, and is expected to continue to have, a highly positive impact on remittance flows to the Dominican Republic, both in terms of volume and formalisation.

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Reimagining the diaspora relationship
Banreservas’ model relies on representative offices set in strategic cities to provide advisory, pre-qualification and customer support services, while the financing and account opening itself is referred to Banreservas in the Dominican Republic, where they are operatively managed and booked.

The US (New York and Miami) and Spain (Madrid) were chosen as priority hubs to channel diaspora engagement and long-term investment because they are home to some of the largest and most economically active Dominican communities worldwide. By establishing representative offices in these strategic locations, Banreservas delivers tailored financial services to historically underserved expatriate communities, enabling them to invest, save, and build wealth in the Dominican Republic while contributing to national economic development, unlocking sustainable growth opportunities and deepening its role as a financial bridge between Dominicans abroad and their home country.

Banreservas uses mortgage fairs to compress what is traditionally a long, fragmented cross‑border process into a single, guided experience that combines education, advisory, and support. Diaspora clients can receive on-the-spot pre-qualification, explore real estate projects nationwide, and receive information and guidance about loan processes, although final approvals and disbursements are processed in the Dominican Republic.

The response in the US and Madrid has been characterised by sustained momentum and the diversity of participant profiles, from first-time buyers to repeat investors and returning nationals, which suggests that the fairs are resonating beyond a narrow segment of the diaspora. In US cities with long-established Dominican communities, the fairs have evolved into anticipated events rather than exploratory initiatives, with those in New York and Lawrence generating financing exceeding $49m. However, the initiative was newer in Europe, so the response in Madrid followed a slightly different trajectory, with early editions focusing heavily on education and orientation. That said, the first fair in Madrid attracted thousands of participants and closed with financing requests of more than $21m.

Risk mitigation is central to the model and projects are carefully vetted, many supported under a fiduciary account or an estate asset trust fund and backed by clear legal frameworks. Banreservas’ direct involvement is one of the defining features of its diaspora strategy to ensure transparency, regulatory compliance and investor protection throughout the process. By offering direct access to Banreservas’ experts, vetted developers, fiduciary-backed projects and consistent financing terms, these events are helping create a relationship-building platform that improves transparency, credibility and institutional confidence. Internal customer experience reports emphasise that word-of-mouth referrals, repeat attendance, and post-fair engagement are among the clearest indicators that trust has been established organically, particularly within close-knit diaspora communities. Banreservas’ role as the national leading institution further reassures clients investing from abroad.

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Transaction to transformation
Rather than a single-product offering, Banreservas approaches diaspora customers with a portfolio mindset, providing a robust cross-border selection including mortgage loans, savings and checking accounts, remittance-linked products and investment solutions tied to real estate development.

Banreservas has deliberately adopted a scalable and selective expansion logic

Remittances are a core strategic pillar of Banreservas’ international expansion, and the creation of new digital channels and specialised financial products are helping transform remittances into a gateway for deepening financial inclusion. The Remesas Reservas app enables Dominicans abroad to send money from the US and Europe using international cards, with funds credited directly to bank accounts or debit cards in the Dominican Republic, eliminating the need for cash, queues, or physical travel. The app is complemented by the home delivery remittances service, which extends financial access to rural communities that were previously excluded from the formal financial system. Service performance data shows that 97 percent of remittances sent through the app complete the entire process digitally, while 94 percent are received directly in bank accounts, strengthening financial traceability. This supports the sustainability and potential growth of remittance inflows to the Dominican Republic that already exceeds $12bn annually, while also expanding the banked customer base and improving the overall efficiency of the national financial ecosystem.

The strategy is further strengthened by the introduction of remittance-based consumer and mortgage loans, specifically designed for remittance recipients. These products allow recurring remittance flows to be converted into formal financial history, facilitating access to credit, and reinforcing the ‘bankarisation’ process. As a result, remittances evolve from a basic transfer mechanism into a financial development tool, integrating beneficiaries into the banking system with solutions tailored to their real income patterns and needs.

Mortgage financing in the Dominican Republic is embedded within a broader set of banking solutions designed to support the full investment and ownership journey. At the core are residential mortgage products structured for non-resident clients looking to acquire property in the Dominican Republic. These are complemented by linked deposit and savings accounts, which allow clients to organise funds, manage payments and maintain an ongoing banking relationship once the purchase process begins. In parallel, Banreservas leverages its digital channels and remittance services to facilitate the movement of funds and day-to-day interaction with Banreservas, reinforcing continuity beyond the initial transaction.

For first-time diaspora investors, the emphasis is on financial orientation and readiness with solutions structured to simplify entry into the formal mortgage system in the Dominican Republic. For returning nationals, products and advisory conversations are typically aligned with reintegration objectives. In both cases, the underlying principle is adaptability within a controlled institutional framework, rather than bespoke products that introduce additional risk.

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They have the support of President Luis Abinader, who has created the conditions for Dominicans in the diaspora take advantage of the macroeconomic stability, legal security, and full guarantees that receive all foreign investors who trust in the Dominican Republic to make their business.

Modernising remittance ecosystem
Modernising the remittance ecosystem combined with specialised financial products generates a direct multiplier effect on strategic sectors, strengthening the real economy and territorial development. In the construction sector, the remittance mortgage loan transforms recurring remittance flows into formal financing capacity for homeownership and has taken centre stage in Banreservas’ participation in international mortgage fairs. Diaspora demand supports property acquisition and upstream activities such as project development, construction services, materials supply, legal services and professional employment.

Equally important is the impact on financial deepening and formalisation. When diaspora investors enter the banking system through regulated mortgage channels, their participation strengthens the use of formal financial products, thereby expanding the reach and resilience of the financial system. This dynamic is a key contribution to economic maturity, as it encourages long-term financial relationships rather than one-time transactions.

From a tourism perspective, the strategy strengthens the economic and emotional ties between the diaspora and the country. Home purchases financed through mortgage loans paid via remittances promote more frequent visits, longer stays, and increased spending on tourism-related services, while also encouraging investment in vacation properties and second homes. Additionally, increased formal income and financial inclusion among remittance-receiving households boosts domestic consumption, benefiting transportation, commerce and service sectors closely linked to tourism.

The scalable model
Banreservas has deliberately adopted a scalable and selective expansion logic, prioritising model stabilisation in proven markets before extending to new ones. However, any future expansions are likely to be opportunity-driven and phased, to ensure that each new market sustains long-term client relationships. This strategy allows for progressive expansion, but only where three conditions converge: concentrated Dominican diaspora communities with sustained economic ties to the Dominican Republic, regulatory and operational feasibility, particularly the ability to support activity through representative offices or equivalent structures, and demonstrated demand signals.

The next three to five years points to a qualitative shift in diaspora investment behaviour. First, there is a clear movement from sentimental ownership to strategic investment. Second, diaspora investors are showing a stronger preference for formal, institutionally mediated channels. And finally, the younger diaspora segment tends to prioritise entry-level or future-orientated assets, while more established individuals focus on retirement, anchoring, or reintegration-linked purchases. This diversification of motivations is influencing how Banreservas structures advisory conversations and sequences client engagement over time.

With diaspora investment contributing to national economic development primarily by transforming external household income into structured, long-term domestic capital, Banreservas’ long-term objectives are driving financial inclusion, fostering foreign direct investment and supporting key productive sectors. By empowering confident diaspora investment, Banreservas reinforces its leadership role in national development while expanding its international footprint in a sustainable way by adopting a focused model that strengthens value creation in the Dominican Republic through targeted international interaction.

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From a growth perspective, the expansion allows Banreservas to diversify its customer acquisition channels by engaging Dominican communities abroad at earlier stages of their financial decision-making. From an economic development standpoint, the strategy is goal orientated.

By facilitating diaspora investment in housing and related sectors in the Dominican Republic, Banreservas acts as a conduit that transforms external income flows into productive domestic investment.

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