Republican leaders in Oregon have launched a high-stakes effort to refer the new transportation funding bill passed for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) back to voters.
The measure, enacted earlier this fall, raises gas and registration taxes to generate roughly $4 billion for state roads and infrastructure.
GOP lawmakers say the plan places an unfair burden on Oregon families and are racing to collect the required 78,000+ signatures by December 30 to put the law on the ballot.
What the ODOT Funding Proposal Includes
The transportation bill introduces several changes aimed at boosting long-term revenue for Oregon’s road and transit network. Key elements of the plan include:
| Funding Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Gas Tax Increase | Raises the tax by several cents per gallon, affecting all fuel purchases in the state |
| EV Mileage Fee or Flat Fee | Requires electric-vehicle owners to pay either a per-mile charge or a yearly flat fee |
| Registration & Title Fee Increases | Higher costs for vehicle registration, titling, and renewal |
| Projected Revenue | Nearly $4 billion expected over the funding cycle |
| Implementation Timeline | Scheduled to begin taking effect in 2025 |
| Referendum Signature Requirement | More than 78,000 valid signatures needed to place the bill on the ballot |
ODOT officials say the funding is essential to avoid staff reductions, delayed maintenance, and further deterioration of aging highways. They argue that without new revenue, Oregon could see cuts to safety projects, bridge repairs, and transit support.
Why Oregon Republicans Are Pushing a Petition
Republican leaders describe the bill as an unnecessary financial hit to residents already facing high grocery bills, housing costs, and fuel prices.
They argue that increasing taxes and fees during economic uncertainty is irresponsible and should be left to voters to decide.
Key concerns raised by GOP lawmakers include:
- Higher gas taxes affecting lower-income rural drivers
- Increased registration fees making car ownership more expensive
- New EV fees discouraging electric-vehicle adoption
- Lack of voter input on a major statewide tax package
Republican organizers note that Oregon’s referendum process allows voters to review laws passed by the legislature.
If the petition gathers enough signatures, the bill would be temporarily paused until it appears on a future statewide ballot, where voters would choose whether to approve or overturn it.
Signature Drive Underway Across Oregon
To qualify for a referendum, the petition must gather more than 78,000 valid signatures by the end of the year.
If successful, implementation of the new funding plan would be put on hold, and Oregon voters would have the final say.
Petition volunteers have begun collecting signatures at community events, county fairs, shopping centers, and through coordinated grassroots efforts.
Organizers say momentum is building quickly as many residents express frustration over rising transportation costs.
Meanwhile, supporters of the ODOT plan caution that halting the bill could lead to significant budget shortfalls, project delays, and potential layoffs within the transportation department.
The battle over Oregon’s new ODOT funding proposal has quickly become one of the most contentious political issues of the year.
With billions of dollars in revenue and the future of Oregon’s transportation network at stake, the petition launched by Republican leaders could delay the law and shift the decision directly to voters.
Whether the measure moves forward or is stopped will depend on the success of the signature campaign and the outcome of future public voting.
One thing is certain: the debate over taxes, transportation, and government responsibility is far from over in Oregon.
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