OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE PARTISAN BILL TARGETING

FAMILY BUSINESS, WORKERS IN CANBY

HB 2375 Undermines 2003 Bipartisan Compromise

SALEM—House Republicans today opposed HB 2375, a bill that will effectively eliminate a Canby-based aerial fireworks business and likely put several full-time workers and hundreds of seasonal workers out of a job. HB 2375 effectively eliminates a responsible and narrow land-use exemption approved under 2003 legislation sponsored by a former Democratic Senator.

“This session is supposed to be about creating jobs, not eliminating them,” said House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “The company has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not threaten surrounding farmland and poses no danger to the public. We should help Oregon-based companies succeed, not single them out, force them out of business, and further increase our state’s high unemployment rate.”

Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) said the 2003 law (SB 667-A) was a bipartisan effort by local legislators to enable the business to continue to operate in Canby. After input by land-use and public safety groups, SB 667-A granted a narrow exemption allowing the business to operate as a conditional use on EFU-zoned land. The business’ current location has been endorsed by a federal agency, the City of Canby, the Canby Fire Marshall, and Clackamas County.

“A bipartisan law is being repealed because of partisan politics,” Rep. Kennemer said. “The 2003 legislation did not give any unfair advantage to any business. It simply enabled a 60-year-old respected local business to remain in operation and keep jobs in our community.”

House Land Use Committee member Rep. Sal Esquivel (R-Medford) said HB 2375 sends the wrong message to businesses that are considering locating or staying in Oregon.

Rep. Esquivel asked, “How do Democrats think that this helps the economy for today and for the future? Why in heaven’s name would any company come to this state and begin a business when at the whim of a party in charge, the Legislature can change the rules – rules that will destroy a business that a private individual has given their time, money and heart to for years?”

Rep. Hanna said HB 2375 does not “level the playing field” for aerial fireworks businesses in Oregon because there are very few located in the state.

“There seems to be no clear reason why House Democratic leadership is pushing this bill, other than the myth that it might financially hurt a former Republican leader,” Rep. Hanna said. “While House Democrats play politics, they are putting people out of work.”

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