Kotek Adds Oversight to Oregon Transportation Tax Plan

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has proposed a package of tax and fee increases to address a $350 million transportation funding shortfall and prevent mass layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The proposal, set for consideration in a special legislative session on August 29, calls for a 6-cent gas tax increase, higher vehicle registration and title fees, and increased payroll and electric vehicle surcharges. Half of the new revenue would support ODOT, while the remainder would go to local governments and public transit agencies. The plan aims to preserve essential transportation and maintenance services, safeguard hundreds of jobs, and maintain statewide transit operations. Accountability measures, including a performance audit and a revamped oversight committee, are included in the proposal. Democratic leaders back the plan as an urgent, short-term fix, while Republicans criticize it as financially burdensome and insufficient for long-term needs.