OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program has continued making incentive payments to some companies — despite the companies laying off hundreds of workers.
Companies must create a minimum of $2.5 million in new payroll within three years and meet minimum wage and benefit requirements. If they maintain a minimum number of employees there are no consequences for layoffs.
Companies receive up to a 5 percent rebate on payroll taxes for up to 10 years in exchange for creating new jobs in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoman reports that Houston-based Halliburton Company has received $1.29 million through August despite laying off 130 workers in Duncan. Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corporation received $8.27 million in the most recent fiscal year despite laying off 86 workers last week and an undisclosed number earlier this month.