Rep. Mannix: Why I voted for transportation tax bill (HB 2025-28)

Representative Mannix Votes Yes on The Passage of  HB 2025 -28 From Committee
By Oregon State Representative Kevin Mannix,

SALEM, OR – After casting three ‘no’ votes on HB 2025, Representative Mannix ultimately supported the passage of the 2025 Transportation package following the release of the -28 amendment on Wednesday afternoon. Before casting his vote Representative Mannix delivered a compelling speech explaining the shift in his position.

“We need to remember the basic goal of this legislation, which is to reestablish accountability in our transportation operations but also develop the resources to meet the needs of Oregonians when it comes to transportation.” Said Representative Mannix. “As we have gone through this process a variety of other taxes were set aside, including efforts to impose a tire tax and to increase the aviation fuel taxes. Previously I had proposed a compromise, which was not accepted, but some elements of that compromise are in the new bill; taxes are not indexed to increase based on the CPI, most fee increases, other than registration fees, were set aside.

We have accomplished a major goal, which is to start a system of Road Usage Charges so the electric vehicles will begin paying their fair share to support our roads.

There are variety of other reforms in terms of operations, especially very strong oversight and performance reviews as to transportation projects and operations. We also have maintained a formula where 50% of the general expenditures go to counties and cities, not to ODOT.

I also think it is important that we have passed a resolution committing the Legislature to seek other funding sources to support transportation, especially transit. For example, I want to eliminate the payroll tax completely and we need to move in that direction.”

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The post Rep. Mannix: Why I voted for transportation tax bill (HB 2025-28) first appeared on Oregon Catalyst.