Salem, OR. – A report form OPB detailed comments from state Representative Mark Gamba (D- Milwaukie) “SB 687 is part of the answer, freeing up local leaders to enact new taxes they view as necessary without seeking voters’ blessing. Every year, cities and counties get poorer and poorer and their infrastructure gets older and older,” said state Rep. Mark Gamba, a Democratic sponsor of the bill … Gamba said voters too often act like “petulant children” standing in the way of taxes that are necessary to replace vital infrastructure like roads, sewage plants and libraries.“
A press release from Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) stated: “Fresh off the campaign trail, one thing was clear—Oregonians, regardless of party, are struggling with the rising cost of living. Instead of addressing these concerns, Democrat lawmakers are signaling their intent to raise taxes, proving just how out of touch they are with working families,” said Leader Bonham.
“Oregonians shouldn’t be ridiculed for rejecting tax hikes—especially when the real problem is Democrats’ failure to run government efficiently.” Oregon’s state budget has more than doubled in the past 10 years, yet we face a cost of living 31% higher than the national average, the worst housing shortage of all 50 states, failing schools, and a homelessness and addiction crisis on our streets.
“Democrats may have a supermajority, but if their plan is to dismiss voters and push through tax hikes, we will oppose them every step of the way,” concluded Bonham.
Other Republican elected officials addressed the comments and issue of tax increases on social media.
Aimee Reiner who ran for House District 39 also commented in a post on X:
Oregonians let’s get this trending. Reshare this post and drop a selfie to let @mark_gamba know if you are a “#petulantchild” for not wanting a tax hike on a bill he’s proposing. Oregonians have suffered enough under democratic control.
— Aimee Reiner For Oregon (@aimeereinerhd39) February 4, 2025
Petulant child 👇🏼 https://t.co/RGp4tsdVgn pic.twitter.com/t8sOaZ3mpi
Senate Bill 687, introduced in the 2025 Regular Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, proposes to grant local governments the authority to impose fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees without requiring prior approval from voters. Specifically, the bill amends ORS 319.950 to allow cities, counties, or other local entities to enact or amend provisions taxing motor vehicle fuel without submitting the proposed tax to local electors for approval. Additionally, it modifies ORS 801.041 to permit county governing bodies to establish vehicle registration fees without elector approval, removing the previous requirement for counties with populations under 350,000 to seek voter consent. The bill also outlines that local governments imposing such taxes or fees may enter into intergovernmental agreements with the Oregon Department of Transportation for the collection and distribution of the generated revenues.
The full text of the bill as introduced can be found at: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB0687/Introduced
About the Author
Gambia’s comments show the “high esteem” that politicos hold for their tax paying constituents!