LOC News
Semiconductor Package Awaits Governor’s Signature
On Thursday, SB 4 cleared its final legislative hurdle, passing the House floor on a bipartisan vote of 44-10. Last week, the Senate moved the bill with a 22-7 bipartisan vote. This legislation initiates Oregon’s version of the federal CHIPS Act, which has allocated $52 billion for semiconductor investment across the U.S.
The House vote comes on the heels of a visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who met with several local and state elected officials on the Portland Community College campus in Hillsboro, including Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and Governor Tina Kotek.
The LOC and other coalition partners will continue to press legislative leadership for the remaining critical incentives that include: sunset extensions for Enterprise Zones, SIP-Gainshare; funding for Regionally Significant Industrial Sites (RSIS); and a Research and Development Tax Credit. These elements were the focal point of recommendations from the Oregon Semiconductor Competitiveness Task Force. They also are important components of the Commerce Department’s expectations for state participation. Without this complete incentive package, Oregon will be at a significant disadvantage compared with other states that already have complete packages in place.
It is going to take a combined effort to get all components of the semiconductor package across the finish line and make sure Oregon can take advantage of the generational investment from the CHIPS Act.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 4/7/23