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Late last year Oregonians lined up in record numbers to sign a petition to suspend Governor Kotek’s transportation tax hikes and instead, refer the measure to voters on the November 2026 ballot. That last part is as important as the other any other part — in November. That matters because this is what the people asked for; they didn’t want an election in May or July but in November.
Avoiding Accountability
On March 2nd, Democrats passed SB 1599, which changed the election date from November to May. This is a slap in the face to every Oregonian who followed the petition process. Moreover, Oregonians overwhelmingly (99% - 1%) opposed SB 1599 during public hearings held at the Capitol in Salem. The people were clear: They want to vote on the governor’s transportation tax hikes in November. Period. The Democrats in the Legislature were also clear: We are moving the date to May. Period.
It is important to note that the governor immediately signed this bill. In my nearly 10 years as a state legislator, that is what we call “a unicorn” — something rarely seen. Governors often take days or weeks to sign legislation. In this case, Governor Kotek signed it immediately in order make sure it met federal, state and county clerk deadlines.
Since then, two lawsuits have been filed to prevent SB 1599 from being implemented. If those lawsuits fail, you will see the transportation tax hikes referendum on your May ballot. Please vote. But also, remember what happened when you vote in November. Remember who voted to raise your transportation taxes and who moved the date to avoid accountability. The Legislature should listen to the people they are elected to serve, not treat the people like ignorant or petulant children — especially when the people have been crystal clear about what they want.
Noteworthy Short Session Bills
The 2026 Legislative Session concluded on Friday, March 6th. Once again, Democrats utilized the short session to advocate for radical policy changes rather than solely focusing on budget rebalancing. Nevertheless, House Republicans were able to successfully shape and pass some beneficial legislation.
HB 4145 — Revived Ballot Measure 114, the extreme gun restrictions measure that is still tied up in the courts.
The Senate was able to amend the bill to remove increased licensing fees and permit processing times by delaying its implementation to 2028 if the Oregon Supreme Court determines that the measure is constitutional.
However, that does not make it any less concerning that the Majority Party attempted to revive a policy that is still having its constitutionality questioned. I voted YES on the amended bill to delay the Measure 114 implementation until after the lawsuits play out. Before the bill was amended, I was a resolute NO vote.
SB 1601 — County fairground funding increase
This bill increased funding for county fairgrounds. This is a huge win for rural Oregon because our fairgrounds are a key part of our economy and a central gathering point for emergencies. I voted YES.
SB 1507 — Backdoor, $300 million in tax increases: Disconnects state taxes from the federal tax code.
H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress last summer, lowered taxes for Oregonians at both the state and federal level because Oregon’s taxes, by default, are “connected” to the federal government’s treatment of income. Democrats disconnected Oregon from several key provisions that will increase taxes for Oregonians and disincentivize business investment. To Democrats, maintaining a bloated budget was more important than providing tax relief and business incentives to Oregonians. I voted NO.
HB 5204 — Budget bill
I voted NO on this budget bill for two reasons. First, I didn’t agree with how Democrats rebalanced the state’s budget. Budgets are about priorities, and I believe the Legislature does not wisely spend the tax dollars entrusted to us. However, just as important, there was a provision to pay Planned Parenthood nearly $10 million. Planned Parenthood is a major provider of abortion services and transgender “care” in Oregon. The bill also provides a path to allocate several million more to Planned Parenthood in the future.
HB 4127 — Created an alternative payment mechanism to fund Planned Parenthood after their Medicaid eligibility was revoked.
This bill is directly tied to the budget bill above (HB 5204) in providing a fee-for-service scheme to get around the medicaid prohibition found in H.R. 1. I voted NO on this bill. Voting yes on either bill (or both) is a stamp of approval for Planned Parenthood’s current health care policies that include abortion and transgender “care.”
SB 1517 — Recreational liability reform
SB 1517 ensured recreational outfitters can continue to get liability insurance without the fear of a frivolous lawsuit putting them out of business. This helps all of our ski resorts, including Willamette Pass and Mt. Bachelor. I was one of the bill’s co-sponsors and voted YES.
HB 4134 – Increase the statewide Transient Lodging Tax
Historically, the statewide Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) has been used as a funding mechanism to support state tourism promotion since its enactment by the Legislature in 2003. HB 4134 raises the tax by 83% — from 1.5% to 2.75% — but it directs the new revenue away from tourism promotion and into programs that are not designed to grow visitation, extend stays, or increase tourism spending.
As a result, this bill raises costs for visitors and places an additional strain on Oregon’s already struggling hospitality and tourism industry, with no direct return on investment for the tourism economy. HB 4134 increases taxes by $11 million a year on Oregonians who stay in Oregon hotels or vacation rentals. I voted NO.
Project Funding
I was able to help secure two financial wins for HD 55.
- $4.2 million for Chiloquin’s Wastewater Treatment Plant
- $100,000 for Cresent Sanitary District to conduct a proper infrastructure stabilization rehabilitation study
Of course, much more occurred during the short session — too much to put into this newsletter. If you were following something I did not cover, please reach out and I will share what I know.
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the State Capitol or have a great 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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