SALEM, Ore. (AP)-- Oregon's Legislature has approved a tax deal requested by Nike Inc.
The House and Senate voted Friday to allow the governor to promise the world's largest athletic shoe company that its tax structure won't change if it hires hundreds of new workers in Oregon.
Gov. John Kitzhaber called for emergency legislation to prevent Beaverton-based Nike from making a major expansion in another state.
Critics questioned the timing and purpose of the legislation.
The governor wants to freeze the current method for calculating the Oregon tax bill for Nike or any other company that agrees to invest $150 million and create at least 500 new jobs.
