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Senate committee adopts resolution urging Trail Blazers owners to commit to keeping team in Oregon
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 40, recognizing the Portland Trail Blazers’ cultural and economic contributions and urging owners to commit to keeping the franchise in Oregon, passed out of committee after testimony from a legislative assistant for Rep. Ben Bowman.
The Senate Committee on Rollers on June 23 voted to send House Concurrent Resolution 40 to the floor with a recommendation that it be adopted. The resolution recognizes the Portland Trail Blazers’ cultural and economic contributions and urges current and future owners, in partnership with the NBA, to make a lasting commitment to keep the team based in Oregon.
Devin Mullins, a legislative assistant testifying on behalf of Rep. Ben Bowman, told the committee the resolution honors the team’s contributions since its founding in 1970 and cited the Blazers’ investments in education, youth development and public health. Mullins described the team’s broader economic impact, saying the Blazers and associated activity in the Rose Quarter generate approximately $670,000,000 in annual economic activity and that more than one‑third of game attendees come from outside the Portland area.
“I am speaking in strong support of HCR 40,” Mullins said. He also said the resolution was brought late in the session because of concern that the team, which is for sale, could be moved out of state by future owners. Mullins referenced past franchise relocation as context, noting that when the Seattle SuperSonics moved in 2008 it cost that city substantial economic activity.
Vice Chair Buono moved the resolution to the floor with a recommendation that it be adopted. The committee’s roll call as recorded in the transcript shows multiple senators voting “aye”; the motion passed. The committee requested Vice Chair Bonham carry the resolution to the floor.
The resolution is nonbinding and ceremonial; the committee record shows no fiscal impact. The transcript contains no opposing testimony in the excerpt provided.
