Republicans Propose Controversial Road Maintenance Plan in Oregon
Oregon’s Republican lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, have proposed a bold plan to address the state’s road maintenance backlog by cutting or reallocating over $730 million originally earmarked for public transit, biking projects, and agency staffing. The plan, unveiled at a press conference outside the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), aims to funnel these funds directly into essential road repairs, while avoiding tax increases.
Drazan emphasized the need for efficiency, highlighting that many Oregonians are concerned about rising gas prices. “This proposal is intended to advance that conversation with some very clear specifics,” she stated. However, critics warn that such cuts would severely impact transit agencies, lead to significant layoffs within ODOT, and diminish funding for initiatives like electric vehicle rebates.
The GOP’s framework sharply contrasts with a recent proposal from Democratic lawmakers, which includes tax hikes and the creation of new revenue streams totaling roughly $2 billion for transportation needs. State Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis criticized the Democrats’ approach, advocating instead for budget efficiency.
House Speaker Julie Fahey dismissed the Republican plan, asserting that Democrats are committed to a comprehensive transportation package that will address the needs of all Oregonians. Notably, the GOP’s proposal suggests repurposing a recent payroll tax dedicated to transit funding and reducing funding for various programs aimed at climate initiatives and safe transportation.
Local government representatives have expressed skepticism, citing financial constraints that would make it difficult to sustain transit systems without state support. As Democrats prepare to release their own transportation bill, the debate continues over how best to manage Oregon’s aging infrastructure without compromising critical public services.
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