Rep. Ed Diehl to refer key tax increase (SB 1507) to Nov. ballot

Rep. Ed Diehl to refer key tax increase in SB 1507 to the November ballot
By State Representative Ed Diehl
Ed Diehl for Governor,

Salem Or – Representative Ed Diehl, gubernatorial candidate and Co-Chief Petitioner of the statewide referendum on transportation taxes and fees, announced today his firm opposition to Senate Bill 1507 and his intention to refer its major tax-increasing provisions to Oregon voters in November 2026.

SB 1507 would decouple Oregon from several long-standing federal tax provisions, including deductions for personal vehicle loan interest, exclusions for qualified small business stock gains, and bonus depreciation. Diehl said these changes amount to a significant tax increase on families and employers already struggling with rising costs for housing, groceries, and fuel.

Diehl also criticized the Legislature for changing tax rules after Oregonians have already made financial decisions based on existing law.

“People made financial decisions based on current law. Changing the deal midstream is not stability — it is moving the goalposts” he said.

To ensure voters have a final say, Diehl will pursue a statewide referral of the bill’s tax-increasing sections, specifically those disconnecting Oregon from federal provisions on personal auto loan interest, small business stock gains, and bonus depreciation.

“Oregonians want accountability, not more taxes or complexity,” Diehl said. “They deserve a government that lives within its means and leaders who prioritize working families over expanding bureaucracy. Referring these tax increases lets the people decide.”