SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to allow Oregon businesses to use nearly $100 million in federal tax benefits on their state returns.
Senators voted 28-0 to approve the measure. Their vote quickly follows a floor fight in the House Monday that fractured the early peace between Republicans and Democrats in the chamber. It is evenly split between the parties for the first time in Oregon’s 151-year history.
Eleven Democrats joined all 30 Republicans in voting for accelerated tax breaks on new equipment called “bonus depreciation.” Two years ago, Democrats controlled the Legislature and didn’t allow the tax breaks.
Gov. John Kitzhaber said his budget included the breaks and urged the Senate to move quickly.
