House Passes ‘historic $210M Oregon CHIPS Act To Bolster Tech Industry
© Courtesy of KOIN Portland Economists Business leaders champion Oregon's potential for semiconductor manufacturingPORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Oregon House of Representatives on Thursday passed the bipartisan Oregon CHIPS Act, a $210 million investment in semiconductor and microchip manufacturing.
The Oregon CHIPS Act includes $190 million to support Oregon businesses applying for federal investment under the federal CHIPS Act and the Science Act, and $10 million to help state universities receive federal research grants.
The bill also gives the governor the power to expand land boundaries beyond urban growth in an effort to attract chip companies.
"There is no doubt that Oregon's land use system is not working, and the stark evidence of that is that we do not have the land to take advantage of the $52 billion that the federal government wants to invest. jobs. The representative team. Knopp (R-Bend) previously told KOIN 6 News.
Oregon's CHIPS Act also includes $10 million to help communities prepare land for manufacturing sites.
Representative Janelle Bynum (D-Clackamas) highlighted Oregon's leadership in the technology industry, as the state produces about 15% of the nation's semiconductors, according to Oregon Semiconductor Power.
"Oregon Chips is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen our position as a global semiconductor and advanced technology company," Bynam said.
Rep. Rep. David Hamberg (D-Lincoln and West Benton and Lane Counties) added: "Oregon Chips will be a landmark achievement in keeping Oregon's economy stable and competitive in the 21st century."
The bill came a day after US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited Oregon as part of a US investment tour. During his visit, the secretary described Oregon's work in the technology sector as "remarkable" during a meeting with Governor Cotick and Senator Wyden.
Raimondo met with local tech companies and toured the mechatronics lab at Portland Community College's Willow Creek Center.
"Not all states have CHIPS legislation that provides for very smart investments such as worker training, location selection and business investment," Secretary Raimondo said, adding: "Not every state has world-class community colleges that work with real industry."
After the House passed the bill, Rep. Kim Vallon (R-Medford) said, “Moving chips to Oregon will improve our state's prosperity and make our country safer. Oregon is the third largest semiconductor producer in the world and the first. developer of new technologies of industry".
Alan added: “It is critical to our economic and national security that we do everything we can to ensure Oregon's position as a world leader in advanced manufacturing. I am pleased to see this bill pass the Legislature and look forward to seeing it become law. ".
The bill comes after Intel lobbyists sent a letter to Oregon lawmakers in October warning that the state risks losing one of its biggest industries to other states that are offering big incentive packages to attract employers.
After passing the Oregon Senate on March 29, the Oregon CHIPS Act is headed to Governor Kotek's office for his signature.
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