House approves Business Oregon budget after heated floor debate over business climate

House of Representatives members voted Friday to pass House Bill 50 24, the biennial budget for the Oregon Business Development Department, commonly called Business Oregon, approving roughly $1.8 billion in total funds and 2,100 positions.

The measure passed after roughly an hour of floor debate in which Republicans and Democrats traded sharply different views about Oregon's business climate and the state's ability to retain and recruit employers. Supporters argued the budget funds essential programs for trade, manufacturing and broadband; critics said it does not address high taxes and regulatory burdens that they say are driving businesses out of state.

Representative Daniel Wynne, sponsor of the budget presentation, said the funding will support Business Oregon's work on broadband deployment, international trade and economic development tools in districts across the state and urged members to approve the bill.

Representative Tiffiny Draesen criticized the state's broader policy approach and said the budget will not be sufficient while regulatory and tax pressures remain. "Oregon's policy and government treats businesses as the enemy and jobs as a necessary evil," Draesen said on the House floor, later adding, "A report commissioned by Business Oregon found we've lost thousands of potential jobs and billions in potential private investments in the past 5 years."

Representative Diego Watanabe, speaking in favor of the budget, described Business Oregon as a vehicle for helping traded-sector industries and for supporting economic activity in every district. "The Oregon Business Development Department, also known as Business Oregon, plays a crucial role in advancing Oregon's economy," he said.

Representative Boyce said he would support the budget but warned that Oregon must do more to retain employers. "I think I'm gonna vote yes because if Oregon business can somehow improve their, process in in getting to better recruiting, it's a last dish ditch effort, but maybe it will be money well spent," he said.

Representative Smith declared a recusal-type disclosure during debate, saying, "I'm a member of a limited liability company that does economic and community development throughout the state of Oregon," and said she would file a written explanation as required.

The House clerk opened the voting system and the clerk declared House Bill 50 24 passed after the measure received the constitutional majority. The joint committee on Ways and Means had recommended approval.

What happened next: the bill will next proceed per the Legislature's bill-signing process and to the governor for signature or veto. Because the measure carries standard budget provisions, implementation will depend on agency rule-making and subsequent grant and project-level decisions.