Petition for Public Records Disclosure Order

The Oregon Department of Justice ordered a state agency to release data about a major tax subsidy program estimated to cost Oregon taxpayers $322 million over the next two years, saying that there is a “strong public interest” in disclosing the information.

Report

Department of Justice

The Oregon Department of Justice ordered a state agency to release data about a major tax subsidy program estimated to cost Oregon taxpayers $322 million over the next two years, saying that there is a “strong public interest” in disclosing the information.

The order came after the agency, Business Oregon, denied a request by the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) to disclose information about the Strategic Investment Program, in which corporations receive a property tax break in exchange for a promise to create jobs and make specific investments in local communities. OSPIRG requested that Business Oregon disclose the recipients of these public dollars and what those recipients delivered in exchange for the money. OSPIRG filed a petition to the Attorney General last month to appeal Business Oregon’s decision.

To read the full response, download the Petition for Public Records Disclosure Order.