Slimmed-down Oregon transportation bill dies on House floor. Here’s what to know

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – While lawmakers in Salem discuss another amendment for transportation funding, people across the state are wondering what it will mean for them.

A slimmed-down version of HB 2025 died on the House floor, forcing lawmakers to go back to the drawing board with time running out in the legislative session. Now, the House Rules Committee is discussing an amendment to HB 3402 that looks to bridge the Oregon Department of Transportation’s funding gap.

ODOT has said if its $350 million shortfall is not addressed, several hundred jobs will be on the chopping block. The new amendment features bumps to registration and titling fees, with a 3-cent increase to the gas tax, allowing for all that money to go to ODOT.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has also released a statement, pleading with lawmakers to include funding for cities as well:

“We can’t afford a patchwork solution. Legislators, please don’t leave Salem without addressing crumbling city transportation systems. We’re calling on our state partners to lean into our shared commitment to building a resilient and future-ready transportation network for all Oregonians.”

Meanwhile, the owners of Gresham Ford are speaking out against any new taxes. Co-owner and general manager Bess Wills said they are too much for working families.

“We’re all paying more,” she said. “We would all be paying more. And the burden of this taxation — which I think maybe if we just tighten our belt and use some of the resources we already have — might be a better answer.”

KOIN 6 reached out to Governor Tina Kotek’s office to see if she will call a special session should lawmakers not settle on a bill before the session ends.

A spokesperson said the governor is closely monitoring and has no other comment.