A missed legislative deadline is raising new questions about the future of a bill that would fast-track a vote on transportation tax hikes, with Republicans arguing the measure should now be considered dead.
Tobias Read emailed top lawmakers Wednesday, warning that if the bill was not passed by the end of the day, voters might not get a “fair and equal chance” to participate before the May election.
The proposal comes about two months after a referendum to overturn controversial transportation-related tax hikes qualified for the November ballot. That referendum halted a six-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, DMV fee hikes and a payroll tax increase.
If approved, the new bill would move that vote from November to the May primary.
Read’s office had previously told lawmakers in late January that the bill needed to be on the governor’s desk by Wednesday to ensure enough time to provide Oregonians a free way to submit statements for the voter’s pamphlet. Without that timeline, individuals would have to pay a $1,200 fee.
In his email, Read said the alternative signature-gathering option ensures money is not a barrier to civic participation and warned that a shortened verification timeline would strain the Elections Division ahead of a March 12 deadline.
Republican Sen. Bruce Starr criticized the delay, accusing the Democratic majority and governor of trying to disenfranchise voters by making it harder to exercise their constitutional rights.
Read said lawmakers could still move the referendum to May after Wednesday, but cautioned that each passing day complicates the work required, including preparing financial estimates and explanatory statements.
Supporters of the transportation fees argue they are needed to address an imbalanced Oregon Department of Transportation budget and to clarify future funding levels sooner.
The bill has yet to pass both chambers. Last week, the Senate postponed a vote after Republican lawmakers staged a walkout. Starr said the House is expected to vote on the measure Monday.
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