Image for illustrative purposes
By Senator Bruce Starr, Representative Ed Diehl, and Jason Williams
When politicians stop listening, taxpayers must speak louder. Governor Kotek and her allies in the legislature have just raised your gas tax and payroll tax—without asking for your vote. Their message is clear: Salem knows best, and Oregonians should pay more and question less.
We disagree.
That’s why we’re launching a referendum to give Oregonians a voice on these new tax hikes. If the Governor and legislative leaders won’t trust the people, we’ll make sure the people have the chance to decide for themselves.
For months, we’ve agreed that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) needs stable funding. But funding stability doesn’t require higher taxes—it requires accountability. We repeatedly proposed reforms to cut waste, identify inefficiencies, and focus ODOT on its core mission: building and maintaining safe, functional roads. Each time, those solutions were ignored. Instead, the majority pushed through a tax-and-spend package that punishes working families for ODOT’s failures.
Oregonians already face the fourth-highest gas prices in the nation, averaging over $4 a gallon. Doubling the payroll tax means smaller paychecks and higher costs for every business, farmer, and family. These aren’t abstract numbers—they’re real hits to the budgets of Oregonians who already struggle to make ends meet. When government raises taxes, consumers pay more, workers earn less, and businesses think twice about staying in Oregon.
Thousands of Oregonians recognized this reality and made their voices heard. During the public comment period, roughly 95% of testimony opposed the gas tax increases. Yet Governor Kotek, Speaker Fahey, and President Wagner ignored that overwhelming opposition and rammed through the bill anyway. They chose to lay off ODOT maintenance workers to gain political leverage, even though better proposals were available. That’s not democracy—it’s arrogance.
Oregon has a proud history of direct democracy. In 1902, we became one of the first states to adopt the referendum process, empowering citizens to challenge legislative overreach. That tradition rests on a simple truth: the people, not the politicians, are the ultimate authority in a free state.
Our referendum is focused and fair. It targets only the gas tax, payroll tax, and related fee increases—precisely the elements that will do the most harm to working Oregonians. We’re not trying to stop road maintenance or hold up infrastructure improvements. We’re standing up for fiscal responsibility and democratic accountability.
The people of Oregon deserve a government that serves them—not one that treats them like an endless source of revenue. When leaders ignore the voices of their constituents, it’s up to those constituents to reclaim their power. The referendum is that opportunity.
This fight isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about respect for the people who earn them. It’s your wallet, and it should be your voice.
Senator Bruce Starr – Republican – District 12 – Rural Polk & Yamhill Counties
Representative Ed Diehl – Republican – District 17 – East Salem through the Majestic Santiam Canyon
Jason Williams – Executive Director – Taxpayers Association of Oregon
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