"He's not in
anybody's pocket. I really admire him for having the courage to stand up
for what he believes."
- Gert Boyle, Chairwoman, Columbia Sportswear
Although a successful
entrepreneur and small business owner, Ben did not achieve his success by
working alone...
Helped by
local banks that invested in Main
Street, state policies that encouraged business ventures, and a vibrant Oregon
business community, Ben built his successful business from the ground up.
As a rancher,
Ben recognizes that Oregon's resources will always play a key role in
Oregon's economy.
Oregon's emerging "new economy," built on technology and innovation,
requires the planning and leadership that Ben will provide.
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
To
achieve true upward mobility, struggling families in Oregon need to be
able to save money -- not just eke out a living. In 1999, Ben
sponsored and passed HB 3600. The bill set up an IDA program that helped
lower-income individuals invest in small business ventures, and also gave tax
credits to business and banks that participated in the program.
Prescription Insurance Pooling
Ben
championed SB 329 in 2005, which would have offered small businesses in
Oregon an opportunity to join the state's prescription drug purchasing
pool, saving on prescription drug costs and health care coverage.
Fiscal
Reform
Ben's
plan to reform Oregon's ailing tax structure includes tax cuts for
every income tax paying Oregonian and offers incentives for investment.
Read more about Ben's
fiscal reform
plan
"He's
not in anybody's pocket. I really admire him for having the
courage to stand up for what he believes." Gert Boyle,
Chair, Columbia Sportswear
"Today,
Oregon needs strong leadership. As the parent of a student that
attends public schools, I believe Ben will be a champion for the
students and their future." Elizabeth Blackney,
Bend
"He
is determined to make this place we call Oregon a better place,
for all Oregonians." Ernest Bloch,
Portland
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