Oregon Roads And Jobs At Risk As Transportation Funding Vote Faces Another Delay

Faced with the very real threat of failed support for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funding plan, Democrat lawmakers yesterday (Tuesday) delayed the voting process for a fortnight.

Democrat Senator Chris Gorsek’s Vote is Crucial

They want to enable Senator Chris Gorsek to have sufficient time to regain his health, as his vote on the funding package is crucial.

The Democrats have exactly the 18 votes required to ensure the safe passage of the ODOT funding package, as Republican lawmakers have made it clear that they will not lend their support by voting in favor.

The voting session is now scheduled for September 17 to allow Senator Gorsek sufficient time to recover from complications following a surgical procedure on his back last month.

The Delay is Yet Another Hiccup in the Passage of the Funding Package

The latest development is yet another hiccup in the progress of a bill to provide much-needed finance to a struggling transportation utility.

After lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on the bill before the end of the last official legislative session, Governor Tina Kotek stepped in to try to salvage the situation.

She instructed lawmakers to schedule a special session at which a funding package could be passed and, together with industry leaders, Kotek tabled a proposal to ensure essential ongoing maintenance of Oregon’s roads and bridges. It would also ensure that hundreds of people were not laid off from their jobs.

While House Bill 3991 is supported by Democrats, Republican opponents have dug in their heels, describing the proposal as an added financial burden for citizens.

If the bill passes the Senate at the voting session later this month, funds will be raised with increased DMV fees, a six-cent hike in the price of gas, a doubling of the state fund to 2%, and the introduction of a levy on owners of electric vehicles.

Following yesterday’s postponement, the governor said she had instructed ODOT to delay the layoff of about 500 workers until mid-October, adding that she remained optimistic that the funding package would be approved when Senator Gorsek returns to the chamber.