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Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soar
Republicans qualified a gas tax repeal referendum for the ballot with 78,000 signatures, challenging legislative increases amid rising prices.
- On May 19, Oregon voters will decide the fate of a gas tax increase through a referendum that qualified after organizers gathered 78,000 voter signatures.
- The Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents a gallon last fall to fund road improvements, prompting Republicans to portray the increases as fueling the high cost of living.
- Gas prices are averaging about 80 cents more per gallon in Oregon than the $4.50 national average, with Portland consumer Michael Burch noting he now pays $80 for just over half a tank.
- Democrats have mounted no organized effort to oppose the referendum, as GOP state Sen. Bruce Starr argued, "Do you want a tax or not?" framing the choice as simple.
- Chris Koski, a professor at Reed College, said it is difficult to imagine a worse situation for a gas tax increase, while 30-year-old student Hannah Coe remains undecided on how she will vote.
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Associated Press News+42 Reposted by 42 other sources
Oregon Democrats found a way to improve roads. Now their gas tax goes before voters as prices soar
A referendum on Oregon's primary ballot seeking to repeal a Democratic gas tax increase is complicating the affordability message central to the party's midterm election strategy.
·United States
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Oregon Democrats' gas tax that was used to improve roads could hit pothole
Appealing to voters’ anxieties about the soaring cost of living is central to Democrats’ messaging in their hopes of big wins in this year’s midterm elections. In Oregon, a question on the primary ballot is complicating that strategy.
·United States
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Oregon Democrats’ gas tax will go before voters May 19
PORTLAND — Appealing to voters’ anxieties about the soaring cost of living is central to Democrats’ messaging in their hopes of big wins in this year’s midterm elections. In Oregon, a question on the primary ballot is complicating that strategy. Read more...
·Vancouver, United States
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Total News Sources45
Leaning Left14Leaning Right5Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 35%
C 53%
12%
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