Devlin champions legislation to expand businesses, create jobs

Oregon Business Retention and Expansion Program would help local industry

SALEM – Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin appeared in front of the House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee yesterday to discuss proposed legislation that would help Oregon companies expand operations and increase their workforce. Introduced as the “Oregon Business Retention and Expansion Program” (BEP), the incentive would provide a one-time award to an eligible company based on the increase in anticipated personal tax revenues generated by new hires from their respective project.

“As a legislator and Oregonian, my top concern is promoting job growth and helping Oregon businesses succeed in these tough times,” said Devlin (D-Tualatin). “This concept is good for Oregon businesses and good for Oregonians needing to get back to work. “

The Business Expansion Program legislative concept is a joint venture Devlin has been working on with Business Oregon, state and local officials, and local business, including Novellus, a supplier to the semiconductor industry that has a facility in Tualatin. “This legislative concept provides an innovative tool to help existing companies expand and create new jobs in Oregon,” said Devlin during his testimony. “Proposals like this one are good examples of my commitment to give Oregon business the tools they need to rebuild and thrive in this tough economic climate.”

In particular, the program is targeted at existing Oregon companies to keep and grow those knowledge-based industries where there are opportunities for significant job growth. Similar programs have been employed successfully by other states and are being used in their efforts to create jobs at higher than average incomes.