In a tense meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Rules, voices echoed the urgent need for bold action on transportation funding, as community members and officials expressed their frustrations over recent legislative decisions. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency, as advocates for progressive revenue solutions argued that the state must prioritize investments in transportation that reflect the needs of Oregonians.

Joel, a passionate speaker, criticized the legislature for rejecting a proposed luxury vehicle tax, which he deemed a missed opportunity for sustainable funding. He emphasized that the decision jeopardizes jobs and leaves the state scrambling to maintain essential services. “It’s a failure of leadership,” he declared, urging committee members to vote against House Bill 3402.

Following Joel, Jordan Lewis from Portland took the virtual stage, advocating for the passage of House Bill 2025-28. He highlighted the historical underfunding of Oregon’s roads, noting that the state pays significantly less in vehicular taxes compared to neighboring states. “Oregon has put the cost of these roads on the credit card for too long,” he stated, stressing the importance of maintaining current transit services rather than allowing them to decline. Lewis warned that failure to act would have dire consequences for vulnerable populations, including veterans and children who rely on public transportation.

As the meeting progressed, Tom Holt, representing the City of North Plains, voiced his opposition to the proposed amendments that would alter the established funding split for transportation projects. He expressed concern that moving away from the successful 50-30-20 funding model could jeopardize future transportation initiatives.

The discussions underscored a critical moment for Oregon’s transportation future, with committee members facing pressure to find common ground and address the pressing needs of their constituents. As the meeting concluded, the stakes were clear: the decisions made in this legislative session could shape the state’s transportation landscape for years to come, leaving many Oregonians anxiously awaiting the outcome.