Oregon Republicans Reject Kotek’s Gas Tax Hike and Push No-Tax Plan to Fix Failing Roads

Somewhat surprisingly, Oregon Republican lawmakers are not supporting funding proposals tabled by Governor Tina Kotek in her attempt to salvage the state’s cash-strapped Department of Transportation and ensure the continued maintenance of a dilapidated road network system.

Instead, when the special session called by the governor started yesterday, Republican House and Senate lawmakers dismissed Kotek’s executive orders and presented  “No Tax” proposals that will redirect millions of dollars for basic road maintenance.

Among the governor’s funding proposals was a six-cent per gallon hike on gasoline, increased DMV tariffs, and the introduction of a special levy on owners of electric vehicles.

Use Funds For the ADA Curb Ramps For Road Maintenance Instead

Perhaps one of the most controversial proposals by Senate Republicans is that the $1.8 billion Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramp project be restructured, arguing that the money can instead be used for transportation network maintenance.

Oregon agreed to repair and replace thousands of curb ramps statewide to meet ADA requirements stipulated in a 2017 lawsuit.

They also want to prune Kotek’s Climate Protection Program to cut greenhouse emissions, saying those funds should be redirected to ODOT.

Republican Senate and House Members Present a |Combined Redirection of Funds Project Totaling Nearly $1 Billion

Senate Republicans have identified $500 million that could be redirected to maintaining Oregon’s transportation network instead of imposing new taxes, say the lawmakers.

House Republicans want ODOT to be able to withdraw funds from the state’s payroll tax, the Transportation Operating Fund, and the vehicle privilege tax. This will require an amendment to the state statute and provide $473.5 million to the transportation network maintenance program.

Although Democrats have the majority on the Transportation Committee, Republicans have dug in their heels against suspending legislative rules, which effectively will delay voting on the House Floor until Sunday.