The Cost of Inaction: Unsafe Roads, Transit Cuts, and Setbacks for Climate

Good morning constituents of House District 43,

This session, the legislature set a goal to pass a comprehensive transportation package to address urgent problems facing Oregon’s roads, bridges, and public safety systems. When it became clear that the full plan couldn’t move forward, House Democrats introduced a smaller, targeted stopgap measure to prevent the most immediate harms: layoffs, even more delayed maintenance, and even less safe Oregon roads.

House Democrats were ready to act. We were prepared to stay as long as it took. But in the final hours of session, a Republican procedural move blocked that stopgap from even coming to a vote.

Now, 483 ODOT workers – workers who plow snow, stripe roads, and patch potholes—will lose their jobs at the end of July. Services we all rely on, from safe school bus routes to timely road repairs, are in jeopardy. Transit systems face increased uncertainty. And long-overdue oversight of ODOT will have to wait.

The failure to act also sets back Oregon’s climate goals. The package included vital investments in transit, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and modern infrastructure that would have helped reduce emissions and expand clean transportation options. Delays in these areas mean more cars on the road, more congestion, and fewer alternatives to driving—especially in communities already underserved.

This is disappointing, but it’s not the end. The need hasn’t changed, and neither has our commitment. Oregon still needs safe roads, reliable funding, and real accountability. With session over, we’re going to take a moment to regroup and figure out next steps.

Sincerely,

Representative Tawna Sanchez