A burgeoning coalition in Oregon, spearheaded by No Tax Oregon, claims to have garnered sufficient public support to challenge the recent transportation funding legislation, with its petition amassing 150,000 signatures—a figure that exceeds the 78,000 initially required for ballot consideration, according to the campaign. This significant amount was achieved just weeks after activists began their efforts to push back against the state's proposed tax hikes scheduled for 2026, which aim to address a $300 million funding deficit for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Despite the fervency with which "No Tax Oregon" has urged the populace to action, what remains is the process of validating each signature—a step fundamental to ensuring that this taxation question reaches the November 2026 ballot, as reported by KOIN. Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, an active supporter of the petition, is still gathered up by the momentum, saying, "I had no doubt we would get the signatures, but to get them this quickly — it’s crazy. Holy smokes!" A sentiment that echoes the enthusiasm of the volunteers working with the campaign. The legislation under question, signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek on November 7, not only seeks to enhance revenue through modifications to the gas tax, vehicle title fees, registration fees, and payroll tax but also proposes an innovative measure that would require efficient vehicles to contribute based on the miles they travel, instead of the fossil fuels expended.
KOIN noted the bill's comprehensive attempt to generate an estimated $4.3 billion over the next decade, crucial funds aimed at maintaining Oregon's infrastructure and preventing transportation worker layoffs. Despite the potential referendum, Senate Republican Leader Starr assures that "The rest of the bill remains intact and continues to be part of state law," suggesting that the halted tax hikes wouldn't dismantle the package entirely. However, Gov. Kotek has warned of dire consequences if emergent funding is suspended without an alternative plan, a concern further amplified by SEIU Local 503, the union representing ODOT workers. As The Statesman Journal relayed, the transportation bill helped prevent the layoff of 483 ODOT employees and the closure of maintenance stations.
Moreover, momentum hasn't waned as "No Tax Oregon" remains intent on sustaining its signature collection drive through December 20, with an ambitious goal to double its initial 100,000 signature target, as NBC 16 reported. Representative Ed Diehl, a chief petitioner of the referendum, championed the grassroots engagement, stating, "We are making Oregon history. This is the largest volunteer signature effort the state has seen in years—possibly ever," and expressed a prevailing sentiment that Oregonians feel overlooked by policymakers, capturing the spirit of resistance against new taxes and fees. Co-Chief Petitioner Jason Williams articulated this collective economic apprehension by emphasizing the financial burden that families would bear should the tax increase materialize, contending, "Many families will be paying $300 to $600 more in higher costs because of this enormous tax increase."
A petition in Oregon could challenge recently enacted legislation related to state infrastructure funding. If the petition meets the required number of signatures, the measure may go to the Oregon electorate for a vote, reflecting ongoing grassroots efforts and public engagement in the state’s fiscal policy decisions.
