Oregon Voters May Decide on Transportation Bill After Legislative Deal Collapses

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 15:46 GMT by OPB

Oregonians Push to Put Transportation Bill Before Voters After Legislative Deal Falls Apart

A growing movement in Oregon is attempting to force a vote on a transportation funding bill after a compromise reached by state lawmakers crumbled late last year. Driven by frustration over the perceived lack of transparency and public input, citizens have launched a petition aiming to send what they call the "Transportation Modernization Act" directly to voters in November 2025. The effort highlights deep divisions within Oregon regarding how best to address the state's significant transportation infrastructure needs and underscores the increasing trend of citizen-led initiatives challenging legislative decisions.

The controversy stems from a deal struck between Governor Tina Kotek and legislative leaders – primarily Democrats and Republicans – intended to secure funding for road repairs, bridge replacements, public transit improvements, and electric vehicle charging stations. The initial proposal, unveiled in December 2024, aimed to generate roughly $3 billion over six years through a combination of fees on vehicles, including those with out-of-state plates, increased registration costs, and taxes on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The bill also included provisions for expanding access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. (You can find more details about the initial proposal here: https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-transportation-funding-bill-kotek-legislature/).

However, the agreement quickly faced opposition from various groups. While Kotek framed it as a necessary step to address Oregon’s deteriorating infrastructure – citing concerns about safety and economic competitiveness – Republican lawmakers voiced strong reservations, arguing that the fees disproportionately burdened working-class families and small businesses. They also criticized the bill's reliance on taxes and fees rather than exploring alternative funding sources. (See Kotek's statement here: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2024/12/kotek-unveils-transportation-plan-aimed-at-fixing-roads-bridges-and-expanding-ev-charging.html).

The deal ultimately collapsed when Republican lawmakers refused to support the bill, effectively blocking its passage in the Oregon legislature. This failure left a significant funding gap and reignited debate about how to prioritize transportation investments. The legislative impasse underscored the challenges of finding bipartisan consensus on complex issues in an increasingly polarized political climate.

Enter the citizen-led petition effort. Spearheaded by groups like "Oregon Transportation Advocates" (OTA), the campaign seeks to place a revised version of the bill – dubbed the “Transportation Modernization Act” by its supporters – before voters in November 2025. The OTA argues that the legislative process lacked sufficient public input and transparency, and that sending the bill directly to voters will allow Oregonians to have their say on how transportation funding is allocated.

"We believe this is a critical issue for the future of our state," said Sarah Miller, a spokesperson for OTA, in an interview with OPB. "The legislature failed to deliver a solution, and now it's time for the people of Oregon to decide." (You can learn more about OTA here: https://www.oregonadvocates.org/).

While the petition effort aims to present a similar framework to the original legislative proposal, there are key differences. OTA has stated that their version will include modifications based on feedback received from various stakeholders. These changes reportedly address concerns about the impact of fees on lower-income Oregonians and prioritize investments in rural transportation infrastructure. However, details regarding these specific revisions remain somewhat limited, fueling criticism from some who argue the petition lacks sufficient clarity.

The campaign faces a significant hurdle: gathering enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. Oregon law requires petitioners to collect a substantial number of valid signatures – currently over 113,000 – within a relatively short timeframe. The effort is being supported by grassroots organizing and online fundraising campaigns.

The potential consequences of this citizen initiative are significant. If voters approve the “Transportation Modernization Act,” it would provide a dedicated funding stream for transportation projects across the state. However, rejection could further delay much-needed infrastructure improvements and exacerbate existing challenges related to traffic congestion, safety concerns, and access to essential services. Furthermore, the outcome will likely have implications for future legislative efforts on contentious issues, potentially emboldening citizen groups seeking to bypass the traditional political process.

The petition’s success also hinges on navigating legal challenges. Opponents of the bill are expected to scrutinize the language of the proposed measure and attempt to disqualify it from appearing on the ballot. This could lead to protracted legal battles that further complicate the already complex situation. The entire episode highlights a growing tension between legislative authority and citizen empowerment in Oregon, with the outcome likely to shape the state's transportation future for years to come.

The article can be found here: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/29/oregonians-sign-petition-to-send-transportation-bill-to-voters-backers-say/