By Lucas Wright

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The Oregon Senate approved a $4.3 billion transportation tax increase, HB 3991, in a party-line vote with no Republican support. Senate Republicans opposed the bill and proposed amendments to allow more flexibility in using existing Department of Transportation funds for maintenance like snow plowing and pothole repairs, but the amendments were not adopted, according to the Oregon Legislature.

Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee spoke out against the bill. “Democrats proved today they neither trust the people of Oregon nor care about the affordability crisis families are living through,” he said in a Senate Republicans’ press release. He pointed to high costs of gas, housing, and other essentials, and added, “Voters should remember this day and who stood with them,” as reported by the Oregon Legislature.

Oregon is dealing with economic challenges including a declining population, high costs of gas, housing, and child care, and education concerns. Lawmakers have proposed a tax hike, with supporters calling it a necessary “band-aid” to address infrastructure needs. Opponents, led by Starr, said, “We are more determined than ever to give voters a voice in this process,” as stated by the Oregon Legislature.