GOP says Kotek is trying to silence voters on transportation package
By Terry Murry on Friday, October 17th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories More Top Stories
SALEM – Republican lawmakers from throughout Oregon are accusing Gov. Tina Kotek of delaying signing the transportation package to make it more difficult for voters to mount a petition drive to put the tax contained in the bill on the ballot for voter approval. Those who feel it should be up to the voters say they only have 90 days from the adjournment of the Oregon Legislature’s special session to file a ballot measure.
The bill is comprised of more than $4 billion dollars in taxes to rescue the financially-strapped Oregon Department of Transportation. House Bill 3991 passed more than two weeks ago and remains unsigned.
“Oregonians have a constitutional right to challenge legislation through a public vote – a right meant to keep government accountable when it oversteps,” Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) said. “It’s abundantly clear that Governor Kotek is not receptive to public input or engagement.”
Levy urges voters to take a stand.
“I urge every voting, working, and rural Oregonian who believes in their right to vote on this tax to sign up on notaxor.com today,” she said. “We have the right to refer this tax to the voters – and we will not be silenced.”
