Oregon's $11.7B Transportation Package Advances to House Vote Amid Bipartisan Debate
Key Insights
The $11.7 billion Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP) cleared a key committee hurdle, moving to the Oregon House for a Friday vote after an 8-4 vote.
The bill aims to address a $350 million deficit for the Oregon Department of Transportation and prevent layoffs of up to 1,000 employees.
Key provisions include revised gas tax increases, payroll tax hikes for public transit, and mechanisms to collect fees from electric vehicle drivers.
The bill has faced opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, with concerns over rushed negotiations and potential economic impacts.
The $11.7 billion Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP) advanced to the Oregon House for a Friday vote after clearing the Joint Committee on Transportation Investment with an 8-4 vote. The bill, designed to fund road and bridge infrastructure while addressing a looming $350 million deficit for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), has been a contentious issue in the 2025 legislative session. If passed, it would prevent layoffs of up to 1,000 ODOT employees and invest in public transit and road maintenance over the next decade.
The latest version of the bill, a slimmed-down alternative to an earlier $14.6 billion proposal, includes revised tax and fee structures. The gas tax, initially set to rise to 55 cents by 2028, will now increase to 52 cents, with a 12-cent hike in 2026. The bill also triples the payroll tax for public transit funding, from 0.1% to 0.3% by 2030. Notably, it introduces mechanisms to collect road use fees from electric vehicle (EV) drivers, who currently avoid the state gas tax. State Rep. Kevin Mannix, the lone Republican supporter, highlighted this provision as a key reason for his vote.
Opposition to the bill remains strong, particularly among Republicans and some Democrats. State Sen. Suzanne Weber criticized the rushed process, arguing that the bill's long-term consequences are unclear. Meanwhile, State Sen. Mark Meek raised concerns about tolling, though Gov. Tina Kotek clarified that the package excludes tolling provisions. The bill's path forward is uncertain, as it requires support from at least 36 representatives and 18 senators—the exact number of Democrats in the Legislature—but internal dissent within the Democratic caucus complicates its prospects.
The legislative process has been marred by resignations and disputes. Two Democratic committee members resigned amid accusations of exclusion from negotiations, and a hostile workplace complaint further disrupted proceedings. Public testimony revealed sharp divisions, with labor unions and environmental groups supporting the bill, while trucking, farming, and business associations opposed it. Over 3,800 testimonies were submitted, with more than 2,700 expressing opposition.
If the House approves the bill, it will move to the Senate, where lawmakers could waive the usual three-day waiting period to expedite a vote before the session ends on Sunday. The outcome will determine whether Oregon can avert a transportation funding crisis or face further political gridlock.