Oregon Lawmakers Race to Move Transportation Referendum Date Before February 25th Deadline
Oregon lawmakers face a critical deadline. They must act by February 25th. This is to pass a bill with an emergency clause. Governor Tina Kotek must also sign it. This action would move a transportation funding referendum. The vote is currently set for November. Lawmakers want it moved to May.
Referendum’s Complex Journey
Deputy Secretary of State Michael Kaplan issued a memo. It detailed the conditions for changing the date. This memo responded to Democratic leaders. The “No Tax Oregon” campaign is central to this. They submitted signatures in December. This placed parts of a new transportation law on the November 2026 ballot. This law aims to raise $4.3 billion for transportation. It funds maintenance over ten years. The referendum delays key provisions. These include a 6-cent gas tax increase. It also halts higher vehicle registration fees.
The “No Tax Oregon” Campaign
This campaign is led by Republicans. They gathered signatures to stop tax increases. These hikes fund transportation maintenance. The group submitted over 200,000 signatures. This is far more than the required 78,000. Their goal was to let voters decide. They want to block the gas tax increase. They also oppose higher registration and title fees. A statewide payroll tax increase is also targeted.
Shifting the Ballot Date
Legislative leaders are pushing for a change. House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner announced this. They plan to introduce new legislation. This bill would set the referendum date for May 19. That is the date of the state’s primary election. Wagner stated voters want a say. He also noted the need for clarity on funding. He believes a May date achieves these goals. Republicans, however, plan to fight this move. Representative Ed Diehl called it “callous”. He believes the November date is the people’s day to vote.
Governor Kotek’s Role
Governor Tina Kotek championed the original law. She initially called for its repeal. However, an old opinion surfaced. It is from 1935. This opinion suggests the Legislature cannot repeal a law once it is referred to the ballot. Kotek’s attempt to repeal the law was thus blocked. This led to the strategy of moving the vote date instead.
Legal and Political Considerations
Deputy Secretary of State Michael Kaplan’s memo is key. It confirms the Legislature’s power. They can change the referendum date. This requires a bill with an emergency clause. Governor Kotek’s signature is also needed. The deadline for this action is February 25th. Information for the voter pamphlet must be filed by March 12.
The political stakes are high. Republicans argue the May primary has lower turnout. This could affect voter participation compared to the general election. In 2022, primary turnout was 37%. General election turnout was 67%. Democrats may prefer an earlier vote. This could remove an unpleasant ballot measure. It might help Democratic candidates in swing districts.
Transportation Funding Issues
The law aims to fund transportation maintenance. It is designed to raise $4.3 billion over ten years. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faces a significant budget gap. This gap is about $242 million for the 2025-27 cycle. Without this funding, ODOT warned of consequences. These could include eliminating over 1,000 positions. Road repairs might also be delayed.
Conclusion
The situation remains fluid. Lawmakers must act quickly. They need to pass a bill by February 25th. This is to move the referendum date. Governor Kotek’s approval is essential. The debate pits tax increases against essential services. It also highlights a political struggle over timing. The final decision rests with the Legislature and the Governor. The future of Oregon’s transportation funding hangs in the balance.
