OREGON BUSINESSES EVERYWHERE DESERVE TAX AND REGULATORY CERTAINTY


         HOUSE PASSES JOBS BILL; REPUBLICANS SAY OREGON BUSINESSES EVERYWHERE DESERVE TAX AND REGULATORY CERTAINTY

 

SALEM, Friday, December 14, 2012:  House Republicans today supported passage of House Bill 4200, the bill that allows the Governor to assure tax certainty to companies committing to a minimum of 500 jobs and $150 million in capital investment over five years.  Republicans then called on the Governor and the Legislature to provide more tax and regulatory certainty to all Oregon businesses during the 2013 legislative session.

 

House and Senate Republicans fought to amend HB 4200 to expand tax certainty to businesses of all sizes, as well as to expand the bill’s scope so that it will create more jobs in rural Oregon.  Democrats defeated these amendments on a party line vote.

 

“It’s better late than never to pass legislation that will grow our private-sector economy and create thousands of jobs for Oregonians,” said House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte).  “As this bill becomes law, companies such as Nike will demonstrate what happens when government offers certainty and stability when companies are seeking to grow in our state.”

 

Rep. McLane cautioned that success from today’s session could be short-lived if the next legislature raises taxes and passes new regulations that will harm businesses and stifle Oregon’s economic growth.

 

Deputy Republican Leader Julie Parrish (R-West Linn) said House Republicans will continue to offer solutions that grow the economy, such as providing incentives to more large and small businesses that hire Oregonians and invest in the state. She said the Legislature must also look to Oregon’s natural resources for creating new jobs in rural Oregon.

 

“After a year of attacking Republicans on pro-growth policies, maybe there are House and Senate Democrats who finally realize that Oregon needs more solutions that help our private sector and enable businesses to create jobs,” Rep. Parrish said. “If today’s vote was really about the policy, and not needing a tied House to move this bill before new members are sworn in, we will look forward to passing more jobs bills in 2013.”

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Nick   Smith

December 14, 2012

503-986-1351

 

###