Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soar
PORTLAND, Oregon. (AP) — Addressing voters’ concerns about the rising cost of living. Democrats’ messages They have hopes of achieving big victories in this year’s midterm elections. A question about primary voting in Oregon complicates this strategy.
The Democrat-controlled Legislature increased the state gas tax and a host of fees last fall as a way to pay for road improvements and close a gap in the state’s transportation budget. Republicans responded with a petition to repeal the increases, which led to a referendum before voters, just as the Iran war caused gas prices to rise blow up around the United States.
“This is a very bad time to be increasing gas taxes on people,” said Jeanine Holly, who was filling up her gas tank recently in Portland.
Gas tax repeal comes during the state’s May 19 primary election widespread outages Israel and the oil industry from the war President Donald Trump started with Iran. Discontent is high With the price of gasoline hitting $4.50 per gallon nationally on Friday and an average of 80 cents more per gallon in Oregon, the price is also being seen among U.S. consumers across the political spectrum.
The referendum will give voters a chance to weigh in on a pressing issue that will hit them directly in the wallet. prices remain high for everything from housing to groceries. Nationally, Democrats we focused affordability concerns Similar to those who helped propel Trump to victory in 2024. Some of his candidates have even suggested ways to do this. cut taxes as a way to promote their agenda and counter traditional GOP strategy.
“It’s hard to imagine a worse situation for a gas tax increase in American politics than right now,” said Chris Koski, a professor of political science and environmental studies at Reed College in Portland.
Republicans sense an opportunity
Republicans wasted no time in appealing to voters after the Legislature and the Democratic governor signed the tax increase, which included a higher payroll tax for public transportation projects and increases in vehicle registration and title fees.
They needed the signatures of 78,000 voters for the referendum to get on the ballot. They quickly reached 250,000.
“That’s a remarkable number,” said Republican strategist Rebecca Tweed.
Republicans in Oregon have pushed back against Democrats’ affordability messages, arguing that tax and fee increases have further driven up the cost of living.
“Do Oregonians want to pay more? The answer is no,” said GOP state Sen. Bruce Starr, who led the referendum campaign. “Everything they look at is expensive.”
Under the legislation, Oregon’s gas tax would increase from 40 cents per gallon to 46 cents. When other state taxes and fees are factored in, that would put Maryland on par with the eighth-highest gas tax among all states, according to figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
At a Portland gas station, Michael Burch said he spent $70 to fill his pickup truck’s three-quarters tank, but now pays $80 for just over half a tank.
“I’m sick and tired of taxes,” said the 76-year-old retiree. “Gas definitely deflates the morale and coffers of people who are not doing so well.”
Student Hannah Coe, 30, said she wasn’t sure how she would vote in the primary referendum.
“If it’s going to go to the things he says he’s going to do, like fixing our roads, I think I’d be in favor of that,” he said. “I also think this is an effort to get more money out of the people who live here.”
Democrats blame Iran war
Oregon Democrats spent much of last year struggling to pass legislation transportation financing law to help raise money for services such as road paving and snow plowing. The debate comes amid predictions that fuel tax revenues will fall as more people adopt electric, hybrid and fuel-efficient cars.
They eventually agreed to a narrower version of their plan. special session The Democratic Government was called by Tina Kotek.
He recently acknowledged the difficult timing of the referendum.
“Of course, the conversations on this year’s ballot are a tough sell right now because I think everyone is feeling a pinch on their household budgets,” he told reporters.
But he and other Democrats said the main reason for the increase in gas prices was Trump’s decision to go to the United States. war with Iran. He suggested that the federal government consider reducing the 18-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax if it wants to give Americans relief at the pump.
Some Oregonians welcome Democrats’ rationale for passing the law last year. Kurt Borneman, 68, said he would support a fuel tax increase even though he currently pays at least $10 more to fill his tank.
“I realize money is tight and the roads need to be improved,” he said at a Portland gas station. “I want less government, but I also want good roads.”
Democratic state Rep. Paul Evans said his party is losing the battle over how to publicize the gas tax increase. So far, there has been no organized effort by Democrats and their allies to oppose the referendum.
“When it all boils down to, ‘Do you want taxes or not?’ Most people will say no,” he said. “The messaging moved away from us and started focusing on price rather than value.”
