While some legislators argued that it was unwise to volunteer Moda Center funding without first negotiating a lease, the Oregon House overwhelmingly passed a bill that clears the way for the state to pay for nearly two-thirds of the renovations that lawmakers hope will keep the Trail Blazers in Portland for at least two more decades.
“Some assets are worth supporting not just for what they earn, but for what they represent,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard. “The Blazers are proof that something can be emotionally meaningful and economically strategic at the same time.”
Senate Bill 1501, which passed the Senate two days earlier, cleared the House 43 votes in support and 13 against…