December 14, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2012
Jared Mason-Gere (503) 986-1907
House passes improved jobs bill in Special Session
SALEM- Meeting in a one-day special session, the Oregon House of Representatives this afternoon passed HB 4200 to retain and create high-paying jobs in Oregon. Legislators negotiated throughout the week and developed a public process to hear from citizens before passing an amended version of the bill on a bipartisan 50-5 vote.
House Democrats pushed for changes to the bill that would increase assurance of high quality job creation while adding oversight and accountability measures.
“Oregon has a number of competitive advantages that make our state an attractive place for businesses to grow and create jobs,” said Rep. Phil Barnhart (D-Central Lane and Linn Counties, Co-Chair of the Joint Special Committee on Economic Development. “We assured businesses that they will continue to grow here as Oregon climbs out of the great recession. The process wasn’t perfect, but we worked together to draft a better bill.”
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber announced on Monday December 10 that he was calling the Legislature into a one-day special session to consider a bill giving him the authority to enter into a contract with certain businesses guaranteeing that the state will not change their method of tax calculation. House Democrats, dissatisfied with a lack of accountability and transparency, urged expanded oversight and open process.
“It’s not everything we would want, but there were some wins on transparency and additional corporate accountability,” said Rep.Val Hoyle (D-Eugene). “We’re creating jobs, and we pushed for maximum opportunities for the public to weigh in on this bill. It’s a better bill because of the work we did here this week.”
Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland) pointed to the bipartisan tenor in the House, saying she hoped it would persist into the 2013 Legislative session.
“Despite the difficult circumstances, there was a great spirit of bipartisan cooperation as we provided certainty to Oregon businesses,” said Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland). “I look forward to bringing that approach back to the legislature in January to focus on schools, jobs, and the priorities of middle class Oregonians. We have a lot of work to do to deliver on the issues that matter most.”
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