Probst points out effectiveness of semiconductor business incentives

17th District Rep. pushing for similar incentives for renewable market

Feb. 27, 2009

OLYMPIA – Legislation passed in 2006 is paying dividends right when the state needs it most, Rep. Tim Probst is telling colleagues in the Legislature. Probst, D-Vancouver, is pointing to a semiconductor industry incentive as a big piece why Vancouver will be seeing new jobs in the next year.

“Businesses want skilled workers and fair incentives to bring jobs to the community,” Probst said. “Right now we have that combination for the semiconductor industry and it’s working.”

“SEH America’s announcement that they’re looking to add up to 1,000 jobs shows what insight the Legislature had in passing Rep. Wallace’s bill in 2006.”

Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver, introduced and passed into law House Bill 3190 back in the 2006 legislative session. It provided a package of incentives for semiconductor businesses looking to setup shop in the state.

Probst this session has introduced House Bill 2130 that would create a business and occupation tax credit for renewable energy companies.

“The bill could be killed on Monday,” said Probst. “The Finance Committee is where business incentive bills go to die. Admittedly, I’m a freshman, but I am not going to go down easy on this one. We need the jobs and the new industry, and politics need to take a backseat to common sense this time.”

“In a tough budget year, it is exceptionally tough to put new tax breaks on the books,” Probst said. “But our people need jobs, and the solar energy industry is growing rapidly, while most other industries are laying people off. ”

“Last year alone, we lost 1300 jobs and half a billion dollars in private investments to Oregon.”

“The renewable energy industry will continue to grow in a time when a lot of businesses are slowing down. This incentive is Washington’s chance to become a world-leader in solar energy and other renewable industries.”

The incentive proposal, which Probst believes could help bring solar energy manufacturers to the Vancouver area, is currently in the House Finance Committee. The committee must approve it on Monday, the date when all bills must be out of fiscal committees.

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For more information:
State Rep. Tim Probst, (360) 786-7994
Print-quality image: www.leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/Probst.jpg

Staff contact – Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

Bill information:
HB 2130: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/Summary.aspx?bill=2130&year=20090