Oregon Transportation Bill Referendum Gains Momentum
A significant movement is underway in Oregon to bring a controversial transportation bill to voters next fall. The initiative, led by Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, Rep. Ed Diehl, and chief petitioner Jason Williams, has already collected over 150,000 signatures—more than double the required number of 78,000 needed to qualify for the ballot.
This effort aims to challenge the state’s recent transportation bill, which increases gas taxes and DMV fees to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and address road maintenance needs. Starr expressed admiration for the rapid response from volunteers across the state, highlighting their dedication to gathering signatures within a short timeframe.
“We are going through our own signature verification process before submitting the signatures to make sure as many as possible can be verified,” Starr explained. He added that based on the volume of signatures collected, the group is confident they will meet the requirements to qualify for the ballot.
Business Owners Support the Movement
Tim Barnes, owner of Tigard Pawn 4 More, is among several business owners who have opened their locations to help collect petition signatures. Barnes emphasized that many individuals coming into his store are frustrated with the proposed tax increases, stating that it is difficult to manage weekly expenses without further financial strain.
“We just don’t go pick money off a tree out in the backyard. We seem to be getting approached like that’s the reality. It isn’t, and it's tough to make a living,” Barnes said. He noted that people are adamant about not being able to afford additional taxes, which he believes will not improve the situation.
Gabriel Buehler, Washington County GOP Chair, helped Barnes set up the petition-signing location at his business. Buehler praised the support from small businesses and highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing long-standing concerns about overtaxation.
Volunteers Continue Efforts Until Deadline
Buehler is one of thousands of volunteers working across Oregon to gather signatures for the referendum. He stressed that the movement will continue until the December 30 deadline, aiming to show the governor the extent of public opposition to the transportation bill.
“The reason why we're not gonna stop is that the people of this state know that this is historic. They want to be part of history. They want to be part of this change for this state,” Buehler said.
Opposition from Governor and Unions
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and union leaders have voiced strong opposition to the referendum, warning of potential consequences if the effort succeeds. Kotek stated that if the petition is certified, the emergency funding provided by the legislature to maintain Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transit systems would be suspended immediately.
This suspension could lead to layoffs and the closure of maintenance stations at ODOT. SEIU 503, the union representing ODOT workers, also raised concerns, noting that unsafe conditions for workers are worsening due to uncertainty surrounding the agency’s funding.
“ODOT workers are already facing unsafe conditions, and those are worsening with so many workers leaving because of the uncertainty facing the agency. This referral does nothing to protect our roads or the people that keep them safe,” the union stated.
Kotek and the union criticized the referendum supporters for lacking a viable plan to address ODOT’s funding challenges. “The proponents of the referral do not have a viable backup plan for making sure Oregonians have basic transportation services. Please ask them to explain their plan in detail,” Kotek said.
Republican Alternative Plan
When asked about an alternative plan, Starr pointed to efforts made during the legislative session earlier this year. He explained that Republicans proposed reallocating funds within the existing transportation budget to prioritize essential areas.
“It has to be done legislatively. We'll have to actually pass a law to do that, but that's what the legislature's supposed to do,” Starr said. He emphasized that the solution requires legislative action rather than relying on the current transportation bill.
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