US EditionDemocrats push through controversial Oregon bill to move statewide tax vote to May
The bill passed 31-20 to reschedule the vote on a 6-cent gas tax increase and other fees, aiming to address a $242 million Oregon Department of Transportation budget shortfall.
- On March 2, 2026, Oregon House Democrats passed Senate Bill 1599 to move the referendum to the May primary, and Gov. Tina Kotek signed it late Monday.
- Facing ODOT staffing gaps and budget strain, Democrats said speeding the vote would aid planning, noting 20% of desks are vacant and Rep. David Gomberg said, `We need to end this uncertainty sooner, rather than later.`
- After repeated walkouts and quorum denials, the measure moved forward and reached final votes, passing 31-20 with no Republican support and four Democrats opposing it.
- With a March 12 deadline looming, election timelines for pamphlet statements requiring 500 signatures or a $1,200 fee are compressed, and Republican lawmakers planning legal action vow court challenges.
- Opponents argue the change overrides roughly 250,000 petition signers and 98.5% of public testimony opposed the shift, while critics said Democrats shield tax hikes from the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Democrats push through controversial Oregon bill to move statewide tax vote to May
Following weeks of political theater and partisan bickering, Oregon Democrats on Monday pushed through a controversial bill that will move a statewide vote on a series of transportation tax hikes from November to May.
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon bill to move gas tax referendum heads to governor’s desk
The Oregon House of Representatives chamber is located in the west wing of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. (Mia Maldonado / Oregon Capital Chronicle)The Oregon House of Representatives in a 31-20 vote Monday passed a bill that would move the date Oregonians can vote on a controversial 2025 transportation law from November to May. Democrats in the fall passed a law to raise $4.3 billion dollars for the Oregon Department of Transportation over…
Bill to move gas tax vote to May primary passes
The Oregon House has passed a bill that will allow Oregonians to vote earlier on a package that would use a new gas tax to help fund the state's transportation department, and if signed by Gov. Tina Kotek, the vote will take place on May 19.
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