GOP Blast Oregon Democrats for Killing Small Business Legislation

Thursday, May 28, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

This week, Senate Republicans introduced six new bills to support Oregon's small businesses and working families, all of which were rejected by Senate Democrats in 18-12 party-line votes.

"We've wasted the first four months of this legislative session on partisan bills that harm small businesses, working families and fixed-income seniors," said Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day). "This week, Senate Democrats had the opportunity to reach across the aisle and pass common-sense bills to reduce regulations on small businesses, create family wage jobs and increase economic opportunity for all Oregonians. They wasted that opportunity by putting partisanship over the needs of Oregon's families and small businesses."

Among the rejected bills were SB 746, which creates a tax credit for business owners creating new jobs that pay at least 10 percent more than the average wage; two bills, SB 527 and SJR 13, that reduce regulatory agency rule making on small businesses; SB 637, which lowers the property tax on small businesses, working families and fixed-income seniors; SJR 24, a bill to reduce liability costs for small business owners; and SB 795, which requires legislative approval for new fees on small businesses, creating oversight of agency feemaking.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we rely on them to create family-wage jobs across Oregon communities," explained Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend). "These six bills would have provided crucial relief from the growing mountain of fees and regulations small businesses face every day. It's time we reduce the burden on small businesses so they can grow and create new, home-grown Oregon jobs."

All six bills failed on a procedural vote in the Oregon Senate after failing to move out of committee earlier this session.

Related Slideshow: Oregon Business Rankings in US

See how Oregon stacked up against the other states in the U.S.

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ThumbTack

Oregon gets a C+ for small business friendliness from Thumbtack, in conjunction with the Kauffman Foundation.

According to the ranking:

Overall friendliness C+

Ease of starting a business B
Ease of hiring D+
Regulations D
Health & safety D
Employment, labor & hiring D
Tax code D+
Licensing C-
Environmental D
Zoning D+
Training & networking programs B+