Hillsboro, OR—As the Oregon Legislature nears the passage of Senate Bill 4 to maximize federal funds from the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022, Governor Tina Kotek today joined United States Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Senator Ron Wyden, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici to highlight the importance of protecting and expanding Oregon’s semiconductor manufacturing industry.

The visit from the Commerce Secretary began with a meeting with private sector partners and community leaders to discuss the nature and impact of the CHIPS and Science Act. The group then joined State Senator Janeen Sollman, State Representative Janelle Bynum, educators, and students for a tour of the Mechatronics Lab at Portland Community College’s Willow Creek campus. The events of the day ended with a roundtable discussion on the importance of maintaining Oregon’s presence as a nationwide leader in the semiconductor workforce with students, educators, community partners, and semiconductor companies.

“Oregon is home to remarkable career and technical education programs that position our state to build a strong workforce and remain a leader in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industry,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “I want to thank Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Senator Ron Wyden, and Congresswoman Bonamici for taking the time to tour these programs and engage in a great conversation around Oregon’s leadership in research and development and the future of semiconductor manufacturing innovation.”