SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature has opened a special session to consider a tax deal requested by apparel giant Nike Inc.
Lawmakers were expected to vote later Friday on a measure allowing the governor to promise the world’s largest athletic shoe company that its tax structure won’t change if it hires hundreds of new workers in Oregon.
Gov. John Kitzhaber called for emergency legislation to prevent Beaverton-based Nike from making a major expansion in another state.
Critics question the need for the legislation and are considering changes, such as how long the deal would last.
The governor wants to freeze the current method for calculating the Oregon tax bill for Nike or any other company that agrees to invest $150 million and create at least 500 new jobs.
