Gas tax likely dead says media. Kotek jumps in to save it.

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

OPB reports, “Oregon Democrats’ ambitious transportation funding bill appears to be dead, a stinging defeat for the majority party on its most pressing goal of the 2025 session. According to four sources within the Legislature, Democrats acknowledged Friday morning they do not have the votes to pass House Bill 2025. The sweeping bill would have hiked an array of taxes and fees in order to generate billions for road much needed road projects.But the bill was opposed by almost every Republican, and generated crucial opposition among some key Democrats. It’s now expected to be sent back to committee rather than receive a vote in the House.”

We also hear in the Capitol that Governor Tina Kotek is jumping into the debate by threatening to do line item vetoes of the final big budget bill also referred to as the Christmas Tree Bill as it contains nearly a billion in special funding for local Lawmaker priorities.   A threat of line item vetoes could be used to pressure lawmakers to change their vote to approve the massive gas tax bill or witness their home spending projects in their district be voided.

All of these developments mean that the gas tax/road tax transportation bill could undergo a rapid rollback in order to gain back votes and pass it before the Sunday night June 29th deadline.  Or it may mean that the gas tax bill will die and will then require Governor Kotek to call a Special Legislative Session this fall to pass something.   Stay tuned.

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