A resolution by the Oregon Logging Conference Regarding the Oregon Transportation Tax Referendum.
WHEREAS, the legislature passed a transportation tax bill that will increase taxes by $4 billion; and
WHEREAS, the process of the transportation tax passage involved very little public notice and received over 93% opposition based on Capitol testimony; and
WHEREAS, there were alternatives to the transportation tax proposed that would have prevented the need for this legislation; and
WHEREAS, the transportation tax includes increases that impact Oregonian families and businesses alike including- A tax which is 6-cent gas increase, raising the rate from $0.40 to $0.46 per gallon, effective Jan 1, 2026, and other fees including doubled payroll tax for transit, and increased registration/titling fees; and
WHEREAS, the transportation tax will raise business costs by increasing fuel, registration, and payroll taxes, impacting profit margins, raising consumer prices, and hurting competitiveness, especially for rural businesses and those with large fleets. Businesses face higher operating costs for deliveries, employee commutes, and vehicle maintenance, potentially leading to reduced profits, fewer employee benefits, or higher prices for goods/services, according to groups like Oregon Business & Industry; and
WHEREAS, continuation of the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) further complicates the issue with Oregon currently ranking 48th in the US for being business friendly, the addition of these new taxes creates a formidable barrier to attracting business & for expansions in our state. The University of Oregon’s January summary report highlighted a troubling trend: over the past five years, Oregon has lost thousands of potential jobs and billions in private investments. Businesses are increasingly opting to leave the state due to the unfavorable tax environment (high taxes), and these new proposals will likely accelerate this exodus; and
WHEREAS, this additional gas tax will especially harm rural Oregon. This charge will add to the operating costs of companies that rely on transportation, impacting industries like logging, agriculture, and retail. Higher transportation costs increase prices for goods and services, making it difficult for rural businesses to compete with those in less traveled regions. In rural areas there is less density, so more driving is required; and
WHEREAS, the state of Oregon lost 25,000 jobs in the last year and the overall picture looks weaker as Oregon’s unemployment rate hit 5% and a greater share of Oregon’s workforce is unemployed than at any time since 2016; and
WHEREAS, Gov. Kotek delayed signing House Bills 3991 and 3992 until nearly a month after lawmakers had approved them, almost entirely along party lines, in a special session. The 90 day period to refer a bill to the ballot began immediately after it passed, meaning each day Kotek waited trimmed the time for signature collection; and
WHEAREAS, even with a shortened timeline, a group called “No Tax Oregon,” submitted over 190,000 signatures to give voters a say by placing the tax on the ballot; and
WHEREAS, the governor pulled her bill after the voters referred it to the ballot with their signatures and opposition; and
WHEREAS, the Oregon legislature will be dealing with this issue during the upcoming session;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Oregon Logging Conference will gather names and contact information from everyone interested in the room to be on the action alert list;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when an action alert is issued related to the transportation tax that you will respond and take action as requested.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be sent to media outlets all across Oregon.