Coalition forms to refer transportation tax hikes to ballot

Group Forms to Refer Transportation Tax Hikes to Ballot
By No Gas Hikes,

Polk County, OR- This story is breaking first on Oregon Catalyst. Amid conversations surrounding a transportation package, and the potential of an egregiously heavy handed tax deal, No Gas Hikes has been formed. It is the prelude for a ballot measure PAC under a similar name.

The name reflects the trajectory of future gas, energy and food prices if Portland-based special interests have their way. It also highlights the ramifications of Oregon’s Climate Protection Program, which remains locked and ready to wreak havoc on middle and lower income Oregonians.

John Swanson from Rickreall said, “Transportation packages should happen in the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion. If the necessary checks on power do not occur there, the People of Oregon can perform that function.”

Brian Boquist from Dallas said, “It’s important to get a jump on ballot referrals by forming a fund and some infrastructure for signature gathering.”

Jason Williams, President of the Taxpayers’ Association of Oregon, applauded the committee. “The referral process is the citizen’s check on one sided tax deals. It is good to know a backstop is there to protect us,” said Williams.