Business and Finance Committee

Chair: Robert Manicke, Stoel Rives

Oregon Business Association believes that a healthy business environment throughout the state is essential to attract and retain businesses, provide stable employment to citizens and a strong financial base for the state. In a time of national recession, it is critical that Oregon take steps to maintain a competitive business environment and stabilize state revenues that support core services. The following priorities will help ensure Oregon achieves those goals:

Economic Development

Oregon’s investment in the innovation and financing programs of the Oregon Innovation Council, the Engineering and Technology Industry Council and Business Oregon have leveraged considerable private funds and economic opportunity for Oregon businesses. Significant investment in these programs now will create jobs and position Oregon’s economy for growth as we continue to move out of the recession.

Co-Investment

OBA will work with the State Treasurer to support opportunities to co-invest with private investors in Oregon businesses.

Tax Credits

In the 2009 session, the legislature passed a bill that sunsets a number of tax credits over the next few biennia. OBA supports extending the sunsets on the following credits:

  • Film Production Tax Credit
  • Crop Gleaning Tax Credit
  • Production or Collection of Biomass

OBA supports the sunset of the following credits, as they are ineffective or unnecessary:

  • Biofuel Consumer Credit
  • Senior Medical Tax Deduction (with an effort to commit savings to senior services)

2012 Committee Schedule: First Tuesdays, Noon – 1:30

OBA Staff Contact: Elizabeth Howe