Senate Vote On $4.3 Billion Transportation Tax Hike Again Delayed – KXL

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Senate have once again delayed a vote on a $4.3 billion transportation funding bill, due to health issues of a senator considered to be crucial for its passage.  The vote was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 17, but Democratic leaders say it has been pushed to September 29.

Democratic Senator Chris Gorsek of Gresham, expected to provide the vote that will pass the bill, is still recovering in the hospital from a complication that resulted from a medical procedure he underwent in August.  Democratic Senate President Rob Wagner of Lake Oswego says he received a letter from Gorsek’s medical team saying it would be “medically unsafe and unwise for Senator Gorsek to leave the hospital.”

The funding bill would increase the state gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon, increase registration and license plate fees, and establish a road usage fee for electric vehicles, among other changes.  A portion of the additional revenue would go to the Oregon Department of Transportation and prevent the layoff of hundreds of Oregon Department of Transportation workers.

“It is really important for folks who need to get to work to live their daily lives that the roads are dependable and safe,” Governor Tina Kotek told reporters early in the week. “The transportation discussion is about making sure our roads are maintained. They’re open no matter what the weather is like.  This is a safety issue.”