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Democrats Keep Pushing New Taxes and Fees to Fund Transportaion
On Monday, Democrats ignored the pleas of their constituents when they introduced a bill that would add several new taxes and fees to fund transportation. House Bill 2025 would increase the gas tax 55 cents per gallon by 2028. The gas tax will then be tied to inflation starting in 2029. The current gas tax in Oregon is 40 cents per gallon.
Read my letter to the committee which opposes this bill.
Raising it to 55 cents per gallon would bump Oregon up to fourth place in the nation for most expensive gas taxes, replacing Washington.
During a Monday Committee Hearing, Democrats admitted that HB 2025 will raise “at least $1 billion a year” in revenue through increases to the payroll tax, the vehicle privilege tax and the vehicle use tax, and adding a new tax on the sale of new and used vehicles called the transfer tax. It also significantly increases the cost of registration and title fees, along with higher costs for drivers’ licenses, drivers’ license renewals, and drivers’ tests. See a breakdown below:
We asked people at the pump what they think of raising or adding new taxes to fund transportation. Listen to their responses.
By contrast, my colleagues and I introduced a bill last week that refocuses ODOT’s budget without any new taxes. HB 3982 preserves operations and maintenance that are key to the core functions of ODOT by cutting spending on non-essential programs, rather than asking Oregonians to pay more.
With a state budget that has doubled over the last decade alone, we reject the premise that politicians must make life more expensive for Oregonians if we want to fix potholes, plow the snow and keep our streets safe.
With HB 3982 Republicans introduced a common sense plan that would:
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Prevent a projected $0.60 increase over ten years to Oregon’s hidden gas tax (Clean Fuels Program).
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Redirect over $134 million of current spending on climate initiatives towards critical functions.
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Redirect $38 million in funding for passenger rail service towards critical functions.
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Redirect the payroll tax over two years to provide truckers with a tax credit on future tax bills, repaying them for years of unconstitutional overpayments.
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Adopt recommendations from the managerial review of ODOT, including the creation of the Major Projects Office.
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Modernize fuel taxes and regulations to reduce tax evasion and facilitate easier compliance.
It’s not too late to make your voice heard. You have until Saturday (6/14) to submit written testimony asking the committee to reject the Democrats’ costly transportation wishlist.
Oregonian Interview Concerning Wildfire Funding
As Vice Chair of the House Revenue Committee, The Oregonian interviewed me concerning wildfire funding — a key issue to be resolved before the legislature adjourns for the session.
My recommendations for HB 3940 were to eliminate the proposed bottle bill tax in the bill and instead use current funding, already being paid by Oregonians. On the other hand Democrats want to raise taxes in order to find new funding necessary to prevent and fight Oregon's wildfires.
Democrats Approve Bill Protecting Pornographic Books in Oregon Schools
This week, House Democrats voted to allow highly sexualized, extremely inappropriate books in school libraries by passing Senate Bill 1098. The legislation states it would prohibit discrimination against a protected class when selecting school materials and curriculum. The bill effectively stops local school boards from banning pornographic material in schools if the author is of a protected class. Some examples of protected classes include race, gender, sex, disability status or age.
While Democrats argue that this bill protects access to books that discuss different religions, races, and sexualities, what it actually does is undermines parents’ trust in the school system and strips away the discretion of school librarians to determine what is age-appropriate for school children.
Politics do not belong in the classroom. Politicians shouldn’t be able to decide what’s best for your children — parents and school administrators should determine that.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
Striking Workers Can Now Be Paid by Employer Taxes While Striking
Earlier this week, Democrats passed Senate Bill 916, the bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits.
We know that this bill will harm Oregon students, who are woefully behind in test scores and graduation rates and experiencing chronic absenteeism. Moreover, local governments are going to see their labor costs soar when public union employees can get paid while striking. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
Unconstitutional Gun Bill Gets Attacked in Public Hearing
On Wednesday, with only 24 hours’ notice, a public hearing was held on Senate Bill 243, a deeply flawed bill that infringes on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families while doing nothing to deter criminals.
The bill would allow local governments to decide whether or not to prohibit concealed handgun license holders from bringing their concealed carry on public property.
There is no evidence to suggest that CHL holders are a risk to public safety. In fact, there are many instances where CHL holders have prevented or stopped active shooter incidents.
Senate Bill 243 also bans the possession of bump stocks and auto sears (aka Glock switches, which are already illegal under federal law). Research indicates that bump stocks are rarely used in criminal cases, and there is no evidence that banning them will reduce gun-related violence.
Section 27 of the Oregon Constitution states, “The people shall have the right to bear arms for the defence [sic] of themselves, and the State.”
While Democrats and the supermajority are slowly trying to chip away at your right to bear arms, we hope that the courts will uphold our federal and state constitutions.
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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