Oregon voters reject Democrats’ gas tax increase as Iran war causes prices to soar
More than 83% of votes tallied Tuesday evening opposed Measure 120, leaving state leaders without new transportation funding, officials said.
- On Tuesday, Oregon voters rejected Measure 120 with more than 83% opposing the referendum, effectively blocking a Democratic-backed bill that raised the state gas tax from 40 to 46 cents and increased transportation fees.
- Republican leaders gathered signatures to force the measure onto the ballot after the Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the tax increase last fall to address declining gas tax revenue from fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Citing soaring gas prices from the U.S. and Israel's war in Iran, voters overwhelmingly opposed the measure; 79-year-old Sister Barbara Julian of Bend said taxes were "too high" and needed to be cut.
- Transportation agencies now face funding gaps for road and bridge maintenance as state leaders declined to actively campaign for the measure's passage, leaving infrastructure costs to potentially increase.
- Governor Tina Kotek is now drafting a new funding plan for the upcoming legislative session, while Republicans aim to leverage the results to challenge national Democratic messaging about affordability in midterm elections.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Americans for Prosperity Responds to Oregon Voters Rejecting Gas Tax Referendum
Salem, Oregon — Today, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) released the following statement after Oregonians rejected Ballot Measure 120, which would have amended Oregon statutes to increase the gas tax, raise vehicle fees, and raise the payroll tax. AFP Western Region Director Heather Andrews said: “Yesterday, Oregonians shut down a reckless gas tax hike and sent a clear message to politicians after they moved the referendum in a blatant political …
Oregon Voters Reject Unpopular Gas Tax Increase
Oregon voters on Tuesday rejected a gas tax increase passed last year by Democratic lawmakers, a victory for Republicans who put the issue to voters just as the war with Iran is causing prices at the pump to soar, the AP reports. Democrats had raised the state gas tax by...
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