SALEM, Ore. (KPTV) – Monday – Labor Day – marks day three of lawmakers convening at the Oregon Capitol to decide the fate of Governor Tina Kotek’s transportation bill, a proposal designed to protect hundreds of ODOT jobs, but with a catch: Doubling the payroll tax, a permanent hike to the gas tax, and increased vehicle registration fees.
The first day of the special session, last Friday, was marked with delays as Democrats struggled to reach quorum.
The second day on Sunday saw public testimony, heated debate, and a late-night committee vote. Gov. Kotek was noticeably missing, and critics like House Minority Leader Christine Drazan says her absence sends the wrong message during a high-stakes debate.
Lawmakers adjourned Sunday night after the special session joint committee advanced an amended version of the transportation bill to the House.
The amendments allow for money to be pulled from the General Fund to help ODOT, and allow for audits of ODOT.
The House reconvened around 10 a.m. on Monday.
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2:25 p.m.
The lone Democrat to vote no on HB 3991, Representative Annessa Hartman (D-Oregon City & Gladstone), released the following statement, in part, to reporters:
“Whether I’m talking to a neighbor, a teacher, a business owner, or a local official, I keep hearing the same thing: they’re fed up. Fed up with ODOT’s mismanagement, rising costs with no clear benefit, and the lack of oversight and accountability. One specific that stays with me is from a teacher who was recently laid off and is terrified about how rising daily costs will affect her new family. She’s not alone.”
1:30 p.m.
House Republican Leader Christine Drazan criticizes the passage of HB 3991 in a written statement to the media:
“This is a massive tax increase that ignores the voices of thousands of Oregonians. Taxes are not the solution to every challenge we face as a state. It is wrong and shameful that we are doubling the payroll taxes for Oregon workers on Labor Day, while also increasing the cost of gas and DMV services. It is not courage to move ahead in opposition to the needs and concerns of those we are here to represent.”
1:26 p.m.
House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta) praises the passage of Gov. Kotek’s amended package in the House in a written statement released to the media:
“It’s fitting that this bill passed the Oregon House of Representatives on Labor Day. Safe, reliable roads, bridges, and transit are what make it possible for workers to get to their jobs, parents to bring their kids to school, seniors to reach medical appointments, and small businesses to move goods. This bill honors the dignity of work by investing in the infrastructure that keeps Oregon moving.”
House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, & S. Beaverton) adds:
“Legislators amended this bill to address concerns about cost of living, including eliminating the provision allowing tax increases without legislative approval. This bill will prevent the closure of a dozen maintenance stations, keep thousands of road miles plowed in the winter, and allow emergency responders to safely get to people who need help.”
12:23 p.m.
HB 3991 has passed in the House. Both HB 3991 and HB 3992 now go to the Senate, which is scheduled to convene at 2 p.m.
The Senate is not expected to vote Monday. They’ll do their first read of the bills Monday, then second read on Tuesday, and third read and possible vote on Wednesday.
12:20 p.m.
House begins voting on HB 3991 after recess was denied.
11:56 a.m.
Rep. Christine Drazan said 94% of Oregonians are against this package. Drazan read off some of the testimonies that are stacked in a very large pile on her desk. Drazan said she is disappointed that there were “commonsense alternatives” to the taxes that were voted down.
“It’s wrong. I’m going to vote no.”
11:22 a.m.
Rep. E. Reschke says now is not the time to raise taxes for Oregonians. He says HB 3991 would hurt Oregon’s economy and urged his colleagues to vote no.
11:10 a.m.
Rep. Paul Evans says he is “no lover of ODOT.” But said he is for HB 3991 because leadership has a responsibility to keep the roads safe. Evans says this bill is necessary for the moment.
“This is nobody’s ideal bill.”
11:03 a.m.
Rep. Pam Marsh talked about rural communities’ relationship with ODOT. She said they are often close and sometimes personal relationships. She said ODOT helps keep roads safe in rural communities, which is essential. She mentioned the 2020 Almeda Fire in Ashland, that destroyed hundreds of homes in her district, and said clear exit routes saved lives. Marsh urged her colleagues to vote in favor of HB 3991.
10:51 a.m.
Rep. Ed Diehl is saying that there is more public opposition to HB 3991 than support. He pointed to a large stack of public testimony papers labeled “OPPOSITION” on Rep. Christine Drazan’s desk.
10:39 a.m.
Rep. Susan McClain is emphasizing the importance of well-maintained roads and public transportation. She says if we do not act, essential services will be scaled back.
10:37 a.m.
Oregon House passed HB 3992 after a vote. Lawmakers will continue to debate and vote on HB 3991.
10:26 a.m.
House began third reading of HB 3992 and HB 3991.
10:20 a.m.
House officially convened at 10:20 a.m. on Monday.
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