The Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment convened on June 27, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2025 and its proposed amendments, particularly focusing on payroll tax implications. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including residents and economists, who expressed concerns regarding the financial burden of the proposed tax increases.

Patty Williamson, a Salem resident and mother of two adult children working in Oregon, voiced strong opposition to the bill. She highlighted the disparity between Oregon's high cost of living and its lower wage rankings, noting that the state's income tax rate is among the highest in the nation. Williamson emphasized that the proposed payroll tax increase would exacerbate the financial struggles faced by hardworking Oregonians, including her son, who works in construction and is directly impacted by state funding for infrastructure projects.

Williamson recounted a conversation with her son, who expressed a clear preference against higher taxes, fearing it would hinder their ability to get ahead financially. She urged the committee to consider the voices of constituents who are already feeling the strain of existing tax burdens.

Following Williamson's testimony, Joe Courtright, an economist from City Observatory, was set to provide further insights on the economic implications of the proposed tax changes. The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the balance between necessary infrastructure investment and the financial realities faced by residents.

As the committee continues to deliberate on the bill, the testimonies reflect a growing concern among Oregonians about the potential impact of increased taxes on their livelihoods. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of transportation funding in the state.