Intra-Democrat fight during gas tax hearing

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Late on Friday, the Joint Transportation Committee held a last minute amendment-fest to the $2 billion dollar gas tax/road tax bill HB 2025.  The Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) stepped in and removed Senator Mark Meek (D-Gladstone) and took his place. Senator Meek has been vocal against the measure calling it “flawed”.

In support of Meek and against the gas tax were three House Democrat lawmakers who sat in the front row of the hearing including Representative Emerson Levy (D) and Representative John Lively (D).   There was other tenuous moment between lawmakers which spurred several gavel slamming to restore order.   Rumors that Republican Representatives Jeff Helfrich or Kevin Mannix were in support of the bill were voided when both lawmakers voted against the tax in the committee.  The measure passed the panel and will now move to the House floor for a vote.