Boiler Bay Beacon
SALEM — A packed Salem hearing saw oral testifiers and thousands of written comments overwhelmingly oppose SB 1599, a bill to shift Oregon’s transportation tax referendum from the high-turnout November 2026 general election to the May primary.
Co-chaired by Rep. David Gomberg (D-Lincoln City), the Joint Special Committee on Referendum Petition 2026-302 heard passionate testimony framing the move as an undemocratic “goalpost shift” that erodes public trust.
“The people is tired of the bullshavick that is deeper than the Grand Canyon. You should be listening to people,” – Ronnie Daniels
The hearing, held Monday afternoon in Hearing Room 50 at the State Capitol, highlighted deep divisions over the future of transportation funding in Oregon. Referendum Petition 2026-302, qualified by a record-breaking 250,000+ signatures gathered in just weeks, refers key provisions of a 2025 special session law (HB 3991) to voters. Those provisions include a roughly 6-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, hikes to vehicle registration and title fees, and a temporary bump in the transit payroll tax—measures projected to raise billions for road maintenance, bridges, and public transit but criticized as burdensome amid high living costs.
SB 1599, sponsored by Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) and other Democrats, would shift the vote to the May 19, 2026 primary election, declaring an emergency to expedite the change. Proponents argue for quicker resolution to stabilize Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funding amid inflation-driven shortfalls, while opponents call it a partisan maneuver to suppress turnout and betray signers who expected a November ballot.
A Tsunami of Opposition: “Who Is It That We Work For?”
Testimony submissions revealed the lopsided sentiment: 2,821 written comments opposed SB 1599, compared to just 17 in support, according to figures cited during the hearing by former House Minority Leader and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan (R-Canby). Oral testimonies echoed this, with Republican lawmakers, citizens, and groups like the Libertarian Party of Oregon leading the charge.
Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Scio), a chief petitioner for the referendum and another 2026 gubernatorial hopeful, set a fiery tone: “Who is it that we work for?” he asked rhetorically, accusing the legislature of undue influence over the constitutional referendum process by changing the rules after signatures were collected with a November date explicitly promised.
Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Malin, House District 55) quoted baseball legend Yogi Berra: “It’s déjà vu all over again,” pointing to overwhelming online opposition and urging lawmakers to “start listening to what the people want.”
Drazan amplified the call: “It is time to listen. This body has to stop acting like it’s our will—it’s theirs,” emphasizing the people’s right to a high-turnout vote.
Rep. Dwayne Yunker (R-Grants Pass, House District 3) blasted the bill as “shifting the goalposts” because “some don’t like the outcome,” warning, “This is not a representative republic.”
Rep. Court Boice (R-Gold Beach, House District 1), representing southern coastal Oregon including Curry County, decried the move as an avoidable “tremendous battle” that could have saved millions in costs, adding that deliberately changing the measure “undermines public trust” and lawmakers must “listen to the people’s will.”
Jack Tibbetts, a farmer and business owner, praised referendum organizers as “pro-democracy” heroes who braved 30-degree weather to gather signatures, imploring the committee to keep the vote in November.
Ronnie Daniels unleashed frustration: “The people is tired of the bullshavick that is deeper than the Grand Canyon. You should be listening to people,” even warning that a “1775 moment” may be upon us if voter will is ignored.
Annie Caylin, representing the Libertarian Party of Oregon from Portland, said people are “angry” and she was proud of the “impossible” petition success forced by the legislature. She stood for hours in the cold and argued government should fund ODOT without raising taxes.
Catherine from Redmond, a petition signer, complained the May shift would leave only about 30 days for voter pamphlet efforts and threatened to seek a court injunction if the bill passes.
Brad Dennis, a retired senior from Albany and one of the 250,000 signers, said he doesn’t believe the legislature can legally change the date without violation and pledged to “chip in money to take this to court.” He rebutted pro-side inflation arguments as overstated and accused lawmakers of driving up highway costs.
Phillip O’Reilly opposed the bill, acknowledging ODOT needs certainty but stressing Oregonians must have faith in the legislature, encouraging opposition to the May date.
Christian Honl, a Republican candidate for House District 32 from Astoria, called it a “political stunt” with “no justification,” noting the Secretary of State approved the referendum for November amid known massive opposition.
Les Poole expressed deep trouble over the proceedings, conceding ODOT’s funding needs but highlighting public distrust in spending and lack of confidence in the process. He urged “soul searching” and rejection of the bill.
Lori Kimmel, a retired Air Force sergeant, questioned Gov. Tina Kotek’s absence, “Why is Tina Kotek not here? She hates to show up”, claiming Oregonians rank third-poorest due to taxes, which would hurt veterans. “Be problem solvers instead of a tax collector,” she said, adding Oregon has more tax cash than 48 other states.
Gomberg, representing Lincoln City’s coastal district, managed the hearing orderly, calling names from the sign-up list and explaining the process to viewers despite some online participants being unavailable. He noted efforts to include as many voices as possible amid technical issues.
Proponents Stress Urgency: “We Can See It on Our Streets”
While outnumbered, supporters focused on ODOT’s dire needs. Phil Chang, a Deschutes County commissioner, backed the May vote for ODOT so it could “do its job,” citing chronic underfunding worsened by inflation.
Indi Namkoong, Transportation Justice Coordinator for VERDE warned of imminent infrastructure failures and slashed ODOT funding if the bill fails, emphasizing impacts on vulnerable communities.
A female testifier, who identified herself as representing an Oregon state council for ODOT and public workers (the SEIU Oregon State Council, affiliated with SEIU Local 503, which represents thousands of ODOT employees and other state workers), highlighted uncertainty’s visible effects “on our streets” and argued that a timely May vote would allow progress, protecting jobs and services. The speaker was Felisa Hagins, Director of the SEIU Oregon State Council.
Coastal Implications: Higher Costs, Crumbling Roads, and Voter Voice
For central coast residents in Gomberg’s House District 10—encompassing Lincoln City, Newport, and surrounding areas—the stakes are high. Hwy 101, the lifeline for tourism, commuting, and emergency access, suffers from potholes, erosion, and storm damage due to underfunding. Yet, the proposed tax hikes would raise gas prices for vehicle-dependent locals and visitors, straining budgets in a region where many live on fixed incomes or seasonal work.
A November general election, with higher turnout among independents and rurals, could amplify coastal voices seeking repeal. A May primary shift risks lower participation, potentially letting the increases stand. Testifiers like Honl from nearby Astoria and Boice from southern Curry County underscored this, tying into broader coastal concerns over transportation equity and trust in Salem.
If SB 1599 advances, legal challenges loom, with multiple speakers pledging court fights over alleged violations of petition integrity. The committee may vote soon, with a possible follow-up hearing on February 11.
The Boiler Bay Beacon will update this story as developments unfold, including any committee actions or local reactions. Residents can view the archived hearing on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) website.
Sources: Live hearing observations, OLIS records, and public statements from organizations like No Tax Oregon and the Libertarian Party of Oregon. Name spellings and affiliations verified where possible based on public records and prior legislative testimonies.
