Sen. Bonham: New Session has less notice, less transparency

Senate Republican Leader Responds to Governor’s Call for Special Session
By Oregon State Senator Republican Leader,

SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) released the following statement in response to Governor Tina Kotek calling the legislature into a one-day special session on August 29th to raise taxes and fees on Oregonians:

“Just weeks after the Legislature rejected the largest tax increase in Oregon history, the Governor is calling us back to Salem to try again, this time with less notice and less transparency.

Republicans offered a common-sense plan to get ODOT focused back on its core mission, protect critical maintenance jobs, restore accountability, and avoid raising costs on hardworking Oregonians. Democrats didn’t even give it a glance.

If Governor Kotek were serious about fixing our transportation system, she would start by repealing her executive order on project labor agreements. That one decision alone adds 20 to 30 percent to the cost of every project. Her concern over budget shortfalls rings completely hollow when she’s knowingly forcing taxpayers to overpay by millions. Instead, she’s playing politics with frontline workers to pressure lawmakers into voting for higher taxes.

For decades, Governor Kotek and her party have prioritized spending on programs that line the pockets of special interests, such as costly housing initiatives that haven’t delivered real results, while neglecting critical infrastructure needs. This mismanagement has directly contributed to the crisis we face today.

Oregonians deserve roads that work, bridges that last, and a government that puts them first, not more status quo policies and backroom deals to reward special interests.”