"The Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the state gas tax and a range of fees last fall as a way to pay for road improvements and plug a hole in the state's transportation budget. Republicans responded with a petition to repeal the increases, leading to a referendum that will land before voters just as the Iran war is causing the price of gas to skyrocket around the United States."
"The gas tax repeal on the state's May 19 primary ballot comes amid widespread disruptions in the oil industry from the war with Iran started by Israel and President Donald Trump. Discontent is high among U.S. consumers across the political spectrum, with the price of gas topping $4.50 a gallon nationally on Friday and averaging about 80 cents more per gallon in Oregon."
""It is a hell of a time to be raising gas taxes on people," said Jeanine Holly, filling up her tank on a recent morning in Portland."
""It's difficult to imagine a worse situation for ... a gas tax increase than right now in American politics," said Chris Koski, professor of political science and environmental studies at Portland's Reed College."
Democrats are emphasizing voters’ cost-of-living anxieties to seek major midterm wins, but an Oregon ballot referendum complicates that approach. The Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the state gas tax and multiple fees to fund road improvements and address a transportation budget gap. Republicans responded with a petition to repeal the increases, creating a referendum scheduled for the May 19 primary. The vote arrives as the Iran war disrupts oil markets and drives gas prices higher across the United States, with Oregon averaging about 80 cents more per gallon. Voters are also dealing with elevated housing and grocery costs, making the gas tax increase a direct pocketbook issue.
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