JASON CONGER

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE DISTRICT 54

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Rep. Jason Conger
May 31, 2011	503-986-1454

BILLS PROMOTING CENTRAL OREGON JOB CREATION

CLEAR FINAL LEGISLATIVE HURDLES

SALEM— Rep. Jason Conger (R-Bend) today announced Senate passage of two bills to help promote job creation in Bend and throughout Central Oregon. 

The Senate approved HB 3017 to extend the sunset of Oregon’s enterprise zone program to 2025.  Rep. Conger said the bill will give Central Oregon an important economic development tool to create new jobs and attract more businesses to the area.

“Extending the enterprise zone is one of my top priorities for the 2011 session,” Rep. Conger said. “The program has helped create thousands of jobs in Central Oregon, and the extension will give businesses the certainty they need to locate, expand and hire in our region.”

The Senate also approved House Joint Memorial 20 urging the federal government to permit the testing of unmanned aircraft in remote Central Oregon. Rep. Conger said the designation would attract aerospace, aviation and manufacturing industries to the area, and would create thousands of well-paying jobs in the process.

“We have an opportunity to become a leader in drone research and development,” Rep. Conger said. “Central Oregon offers a highly-skilled workforce and vast stretches of remote land that’s ideally suited to unmanned aircraft testing.  Passage of HJM 20 sends a strong message to Congress that Central Oregon welcomes these important industries and the jobs they will provide.”

HB 3017 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature.  HJM 20, which doesn’t require the Governor’s signature, will be filed with the Secretary of State and formally submitted to the U.S. Congress.

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