Christine Drazan, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, held a roundtable in Eugene on Wednesday with local business owners and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. The discussion centered on improving Oregon’s economy by addressing business costs and regulatory hurdles. Drazan emphasized the need for a business-friendly environment to foster growth.
Gianforte, who campaigns for Drazan, highlighted successful reforms in Montana, including tax cuts and regulatory reviews, suggesting Oregon adopt similar strategies. Drazan cited the corporate activity tax (CAT) as a key issue, proposing to raise the tax exemption threshold to help businesses like Hirons pharmacies avoid punitive taxation.
Governor Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council has also suggested changes to the CAT, proposing a lower exemption threshold of two million dollars. Kotek has emphasized the need to simplify regulations to foster investment and growth in Oregon. Drazan and Kotek are set to debate at the University of Oregon on Thursday.
