Portland Diamond Project urges state lawmakers to expand ‘jock tax’

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Diamond Project is asking state lawmakers in Salem to expand the so-called “jock tax.”

An amendment to a senate bill would tax home and away baseball players and team employees instead of taxing Oregonians. It would increase the amount from $150 million to $800 million.

Earlier this month, the Portland Diamond Project released renderings of how the ballpark will look at Zidell Yards.

Portland Diamond Project founder Craig Cheek said this is an opportunity that may not come around again for decades since Major League Baseball is currently trying to add two new teams.

“We know Major League Baseball is eyeing up an expansion plan in the very near future,” Cheek said. “Today was a really big day in the state taking the steps that are necessary to put very serious dollars on the table to attract a team to Downtown Portland, Oregon. All I can say is that this will be transformative for our city, for our region, for our state, for our community.”

Lawmakers will discuss funding the ballpark on Monday.