 |
|
OREGON SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS
PRESS RELEASE
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 29, 2025
Contact: Ashley Kuenzi, Communications Director
Ashley.Kuenzi@oregonlegislature.gov
Senate Democrats Reject Road Maintenance Funding Without New Taxes, Deny Voters a Voice
SALEM, Ore. – Today, every Senate Democrat voted to reject common-sense Republican amendments to Governor Tina Kotek’s $4.3 billion transportation tax hike (HB 3991). In response, Senate Republicans left the Senate floor in protest of a process that shuts out the voices of working Oregonians.
Senate Republicans offered two amendments before the final vote:
- The -9 amendment would have given ODOT flexibility to use the money it already has in the budget where it is needed most, such as plowing snow, repairing potholes, and maintaining guardrails.
- The -5 amendment would have referred Kotek’s tax hike to the people, allowing Oregonians the final say on whether to shoulder $4.3 billion in new taxes.
Democrats rejected both.
“Democrats are so determined to pass a $4.3 billion tax hike that they won’t even let Oregonians vote on it,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). “If they’re so proud of this plan, why not let the people decide? Over 5,000 Oregonians have already testified on this bill, and 95% opposed it. Their voices should matter. Instead, Democrats have shut them out. What are the Governor and her Democrat supermajority so afraid of?”
Senate Republicans emphasized they are still willing to negotiate a bipartisan package that addresses Oregon’s transportation needs without further burdening families and businesses already struggling with high costs.
“There is an offramp here,” Starr continued. “We can pause this reckless tax hike and come back to the table to deal with Oregon’s transportation problems responsibly. Republicans have solutions. Let’s work together for Oregonians, not against them.”
Senate Republicans will return to the floor to vote “no” on HB 3991, standing with the thousands of Oregonians who have demanded a better path forward.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 29, 2025
Contact: Ashley Kuenzi, Communications Director
Ashley.Kuenzi@oregonlegislature.gov
Senate Democrats Force Through $4.3B Tax Hike, Ignoring Oregon’s Affordability Crisis
SALEM, Ore. – With no regard for struggling families and small businesses, Senate Democrats today passed Governor Tina Kotek’s $4.3 billion transportation tax hike (HB 3991) without a single Republican vote. Senate Republicans cast a unanimous “no” vote and stood with thousands of Oregonians who pleaded with Democrats controlling this process to stop the bill. Yet Democrats signaled there is far more to come, repeatedly calling this tax increase a “band-aid.”
Republicans had also offered amendments to give ODOT flexibility to use its existing funds for core services like plowing snow and filling potholes and to give Oregonians the chance to vote on the tax hike. Democrats rejected both before ramming the bill through.
“Democrats proved today they neither trust the people of Oregon nor care about the affordability crisis families are living through,” said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). “Oregonians are already paying the price for years of Democrat control—at the gas pump, at the grocery store, in their housing costs, and more. Today, Democrats made it worse. Voters should remember this day and who stood with them.”
Oregon already has the 4th highest gas prices in the nation, the 2nd tightest housing market, the 3rd highest income needed to buy a home, and the 5th most expensive child care. Economist John Topanga recently warned that “the boom days are over” as more Oregonians leave the state and fewer children are born into a failing education system.
“Oregonians deserve safe roads, but they also deserve a Legislature that listens,” Starr continued. “We are more determined than ever to give voters a voice in this process. This fight is far from over.”
###
Yours Truly,
 Senator David Brock Smith
Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon
 Senate District 1
Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties
Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm, and Forestry District.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-316, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
| 
