Poll: 82% oppose gas tax, 86% want to sign petition

Poll Finds Massive Support for Tax Referendum
By Right to Vote on Gas Tax PAC

Salem- A new Riley Research survey has confirmed what has long been assumed: Oregonians oppose the recent transportation taxes, which were imposed exclusively by Oregon Democrats. Voters’ degree of opposition to the taxes appears strong – and the public’s desire to vote on them is even stronger.

Key Findings (Riley Research, attached)

• 67% said they would vote to repeal the taxes
• 21% said they would vote to keep the taxes
• 82% oppose the 6-cent gas tax increase
• 81% oppose the registration fee increase to nearly double the current fee
• 84% oppose the title fee increase which would nearly triple the current fee
• 86% of voters would be willing to sign a petition to put the tax and fee increases on the ballot*.

<* Note: petitions won’t be available until Kotek signs petition>

The chief petitioners of “Right to Vote” weighed in…

Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) said: “This poll confirms what I’ve heard from Oregonians across the state: they’re done being taxed without representation. Voters are rightfully demanding the chance to weigh in directly — and to remind Salem that the power belongs to the people, not the politicians.”

Jason Williams, who is the Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Association of Oregon, said: “This tax will especially hit hard many seniors on limited income who cannot afford it.  Many families with children will be hit with a minimum of $300 in higher costs.”

Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) said: “Oregonians clearly want to vote on this massive tax increase.  Republicans offered alternatives to the tax increases by funding core programs with existing ODOT funds – but that was swatted down by the supermajority Democrats and the Governor. Oregonian’s do not want and can not afford this unnecessary tax.”

See details on the tax here

Summary here.