Kitzhaber says he'll support Facebook bill
Thursday, February 2, 2012
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. John Kitzhaber has thrown his support behind legislation intended to clear up uncertainty surrounding the Oregon tax rules that apply to Facebook.
Kitzhaber's blessing is a step forward for the social media giant, which has feared that outdated laws might lead to an unexpectedly high tax bill at a data center in Prineville, where local officials promised tax breaks.
Facebook is backing a bill clarifying that data centers are taxed by local authorities, not the state, while tax incentives are in effect. Kitzhaber adviser Scott Nelson said Thursday the governor would sign a bill with those provisions.
Facebook lobbyist Corey Owens says the bill would secure the future of data centers in Oregon.
A mild climate and abundant energy have made Eastern Oregon an attractive place for data centers, where technology companies store data.
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