Salem, OR. – Official Release: Today, every Senate Democrat voted to reject common-sense Republican amendments to Governor Tina Kotek’s $4.3 billion transportation tax hike (HB 3991). In response, Senate Republicans left the Senate floor in protest of a process that shuts out the voices of working Oregonians.
Senate Republicans offered two amendments before the final vote:
- The -9 amendment would have given ODOT flexibility to use the money it already has in the budget where it is needed most, such as plowing snow, repairing potholes, and maintaining guardrails.
- The -5 amendment would have referred Kotek’s tax hike to the people, allowing Oregonians the final say on whether to shoulder $4.3 billion in new taxes.
Democrats rejected both.
“Democrats are so determined to pass a $4.3 billion tax hike that they won’t even let Oregonians vote on it,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). “If they’re so proud of this plan, why not let the people decide? Over 5,000 Oregonians have already testified on this bill, and 95% opposed it. Their voices should matter. Instead, Democrats have shut them out. What are the Governor and her Democrat supermajority so afraid of?”
Senate Republicans emphasized they are still willing to negotiate a bipartisan package that addresses Oregon’s transportation needs without further burdening families and businesses already struggling with high costs.
“There is an offramp here,” Starr continued. “We can pause this reckless tax hike and come back to the table to deal with Oregon’s transportation problems responsibly. Republicans have solutions. Let’s work together for Oregonians, not against them.”
Senate Republicans will return to the floor to vote “no” on HB 3991, standing with the thousands of Oregonians who have demanded a better path forward.
About the Author
