Nike squares off against Intel, other businesses over big Oregon tax hike

In a legislative session already overflowing with power plays, shifting alliances and palace intrigue, the most surprising battle may be unfolding outside the Capitol.

Intel and Nike, Oregon’s two largest corporations, find themselves on opposite sides of the debate over Kate Brown’s proposed $2 billion business tax hike. Actually, it’s Intel and much of the rest of the business community against Nike, which alienated some usual allies by teaming with the public employees’ unions.

The battle of business titans has slowed the tax debate to a crawl. Gov. Kate Brown and other political leaders are waiting for the sign that the private sector has agreed upon a plan.

“While both Intel and Nike have reasonable assumptions about the various proposals, we really need specific bill language and evaluation by state revenue officials before going further,” said Nik Blosser, Gov. Kate Brown’s chief of staff. “No one wants to pick sides between two of our state’s most important companies.”

Read more: https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2019/03/nike-squares-off-against-intel-other-businesses-over-big-oregon-tax-hike.html