| SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE State Capitol
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News Release
May 26, 2011
CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 986-1074
“Buy Oregon First” bill passes in Senate
HB 3000 will support local industries and jobs
SALEM – The Senate approved House Bill 3000 this morning, legislation known as the “Buy Oregon First” Bill. The bill allows state agencies to give a preference to goods and services produced in Oregon when bidding out contracts if the cost is not greater than ten percent more than out-of-state goods and services.
“This bill is a great example of legislation that can create and support Oregon jobs,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “By allowing state agencies to exercise the preference to use Oregon services and products first, we are giving our local businesses a much-deserved leg up on the competition.”
HB 3000 builds on legislation passed in 2009 that allows contracting agencies to give a ten percent price preference to agricultural goods produced and transported entirely within the state. HB 3000 adds products fabricated or processed in the state and services performed in the state.
“The state of Oregon purchases a lot of goods and services. It makes sense to allow a first preference for Oregon products,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-NW Portland/Washington Co.), who carried the bill on the floor. “This bill will help Oregon businesses by encouraging the development and growth of our local supply chains, helping to create local jobs and revitalizing our state’s economy.”
If more than one bidder or proposer qualifies for the ten percent preference, the bill allows a contracting agency to give a further preference to a bidder that resides or is headquartered in Oregon. The bill contains exceptions for specific public improvements and construction contracts.
“Buy Oregon First allows homegrown companies to take advantage of the state’s purchasing power to grow their businesses and create more Oregon jobs,” said Senator Chip Shields (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Committee on General Government, Consumer and Small Business Protection. “HB 3000 helps to even the playing field for Oregon businesses and will boost our state’s economy.”
HB 3000 was introduced in the House by Representatives Brian Clem (D-Salem) and Ben Cannon (D-Portland). The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
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For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit oregonsenatedemocrats.com