Oregon lawmakers took a step toward adding five more "e-commerce zones" throughout the state on Tuesday. The label grants income tax breaks to online businesses that locate in specific areas.
There are already 10 such zones throughout the state, but supporters say adding a handful more to the fold could be crucial for cities like Eugene. Recruiters there have been working for years to fill an empty semiconductor factory that once was the city's biggest taxpayer and a major employer.
Rep. John Lively and Sen. Lee Beyer, both Springfield Democrats, told lawmakers that "electronic commerce zone" tax breaks may help land a buyer for the site.
Companies that do most of their businesses online, such as data centers, qualify for the income tax break deals for a set number of years.
Though lawmakers originally aimed to add three more such zones to state statute, they are now eying five more.
The House Revenue Committee moved to adopt the amendment Tuesday morning. House Bill 4005 is still in the committee, pending a fiscal impact analysis.
The bill was first written to create a new manufacturing subsidy, but it has completely evolved in the few weeks since the legislative session began. Lawmakers eventually proposed a package of economic development deals, including more money for research and clean-tech manufacturing tax breaks. But those proposals appear to have fallen flat.
Facing a tight timeline to move the measure, the Revenue Committee may take it up again Tuesday.