Legislative session ends with no transportation funding plan

Oregon lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session Friday without passing a vital transportation funding package, raising concerns about future infrastructure and employment. Governor Tina Kotek hinted at calling a special session to address the funding crisis. Without new revenue, the state transportation department may face hundreds of layoffs and stalled projects, affecting cities and counties statewide. Democrats introduced a tax and fee framework to generate funding, but internal party dissent led to its failure. A smaller gas tax increase also faced opposition from Republicans, who labeled the larger plan as an excessive tax hike.

Representative Dacia Grayber voiced her frustration, highlighting the impending layoffs and lack of resources for local governments. Kotek criticized lawmakers for missing the constitutional deadline and emphasized the need for immediate action. She called on all lawmakers to prioritize resolving the transportation funding issue.