Actions = Results
Taking action as a citizen in today’s political world is more important than ever. When we raise our voices, cast our votes, and stay engaged, we help shape policies and decisions that directly impact our communities. For Oregon, active civic participation means stronger schools, healthier environments, more equitable opportunities, and a government that truly reflects the values and needs of its people. When we get involved, we’re not just reacting, we’re building a better, brighter future for everyone who calls this state home.
~Oregon~
ACT NOW
$300 Million Transportation Bill
11/07/2025
After weeks of silence, Kotek signs House Bill 3991 after sitting on it for over a month. Kotek signed the bill on Friday, November 7, just five days before the legal deadline of November 12. The timing drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and taxpayer advocates, who argue the delay was intentional. Because referendum petitions cannot circulate until a bill is signed, they say her last-minute action significantly shortened the time available for opponents to seek a voter referendum.
Critics argue that rising taxes are placing an unsustainable burden on Oregon residents and contend that the state government has not demonstrated responsible stewardship of public funds. They say greater accountability is needed and that petition efforts are an important mechanism for ensuring that citizens’ voices are represented in state decision-making. Supporters of these efforts encourage individuals who are interested in participating to seek out information on how to obtain and submit petitions at NOTAXOR
8/25/25
TAX INCREASE ALERT! Legislative Special Session Friday, August 29th
LC 2 Transportation Funding
A special hearing took place on 8/25 on the largest tax hike in Oregon's history (LC2) which was proposed by Governor Tina Kotek.
Many Oregonians sent in written testimonies (47 supporting and 1,700 opposing) and spoke at the special hearing in Salem, OR Monday afternoon. Guess who didn't show up to the hearing, thats right Kotek didn't show up to hear the citizens of Oregon, instead she sent her staff who can't provide answers to the mismanagement and waste of our tax dollars.
Oregonians can't afford more taxes. The Governor needs to start fixing the dysfunctional mismanagement of our current hard earned tax dollars and prioritize spending.
You can also submit written testimony HERE until August 27th at 3:00pm.
In order for LC2 to pass 3/5 majority is needed, meaning all Democrats will need to support and 4 Republicans.
All Oregonians are urged to call/email their State Representatives and tell them to vote NO on LC2.
Oregon House of Representatives
8/22/25
6 MEDIA SWIPES AT KOTEK’S GAS TAX/WAGE TAX GAMBLE
By In the news
Friday August 22, 2025
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com
#1. The Willamette Week touted a critic that was exposing the bad budget numbers used by ODOT, “ODOT’s numbers are a bogus and deceptive sales technique,” Cortright insists.U.S. Census Bureau data supports his contention. An OJP analysis of five recent years’ spending figures show that Oregon falls roughly in the middle of the other six states cited by ODOT: California, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Montana (see graph below).”
#2. OPB ran this critical headline,
#3. The Oregonian notes the very suspect missing amounts of how much the gas tax/wage tax would raise,”With just days left until the session begins on Aug. 29, top Democrats haven’t said exactly how much revenue the plan would generate, beyond saying it would prevent layoffs and other cuts at the Oregon Department of Transportation. The revenue would also help cities, counties and public transit districts maintain their services.”
#4. The Oregon Capitol Chronicle spoke on how Kotek’s gas tax plan may be a lose-lose trap, “Proposals floated (and never passed) during the session were blasted statewide as becoming the biggest tax increase in Oregon history, enough at least to make a strong campaign slogan. The non-passage of a transportation funding measure already has resulted in hundreds of announced layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation, but revenue plans — which mean significant increases in taxes and fees, some of which have been proposed by the governor — are sure to remain highly controversial.Anyone thinking of challenging Kotek is surely looking at attaching that special session to her, and that could be true whether or not the legislators do what the governor wants them to do. If they rebuff her, she’d be dinged as ineffective. If she gets what she’s asking for, the fallout could be greater.”
#5. Oregon Capitol Insider noted the harsh criticism from Republicans, “We’re getting a bill crammed down our throats on Labor Day weekend with the narrative that it was all our fault that it didn’t pass to begin with. And that Tina is working every day to make this happen and the least we can do is show up on Labor Day,”
#6. Oregon’s #1 biggest media voice in radio, Lars Larson, blasted Kotek this week on his show: ” Kotek is like that nightmare contractor who doesn’t get the job done on time…and then demands more money or he’s walking away to leave you with the mess. In the meantime, check ODOT’s job postings. Two of them jumped out at me…Project Delivery administrator 3…a paper pusher and the gig lets you work from home. Salary, up to a quarter million a year. Director of External Affairs (whatever that is). Salary up to 200 grand…both plus benefits, generous vacation and a PERS pension.So, ODOT is still hiring for the white collar jobs…even while it pleads poverty to fund the paychecks of blue collar folks who do the jobs we care about most.”
5/30/25
LET'S SHOW THEM WHAT WE ARE MADE OF. WE WERE BUILT FOR THIS:)
We urgently need your help to spread the message and help stop billions in new taxes and a costly Cap and Trade scheme.
Behind closed doors, and from the basement of the Capitol, Democrats have decided to bring back their costly Cap and Trade scheme that will make it more expensive for working families to live in Oregon. This is after they proposed a dozen new taxes, fees, and fee increases to fund ODOT, an agency that has lost its way.
Even worse, the Speaker is dangling candy in front of a few Republicans who are considering voting for the Democrats' costly Cap and Trade scheme and billions in new taxes.
Oregonians can't afford it.
This call to action requires an "all hands on deck" approach to help us shut down the democrats' plan to raise billions in taxes and force cap and trade on us.
Things YOU can do:
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SEND THIS OUT TO ALL OREGON REPUBLICAN WOMEN: We need everyone to take action.
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CONTACT LEGISLATORS: Call on all PCPs to write and call their legislators and demand that they reject cap and trade and oppose new taxes. We have created a helpful link to make it easy: https://www.votervoice.net/EvergreenPAC/Campaigns/127262/Respond
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Right now we are focusing on the Transportation Committee Members in the House:
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Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R):
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(503)986-1452
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Rep. Kevin Mannix (R):
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(503)986-1421
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Rep. Susan McLain (D):
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(503)986-1429
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Rep. Paul Evans (D)
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(503)986-1420
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Rep. Mark Gamba (D):
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(503)986-1441
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Rep. Nancy Nathanson (D):
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(503)986-1413
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**Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R): She has been fighting with us against the Democrats' scheme! While priority is contacting the people above, feel free to email her to thank her for opposing Cap and Trade and saying no to new taxes. She is fighting for us!
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(503)986-1415
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FLOOD THE SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENT SECTION: Legislators that want to raise the cost of living need to hear our loud opposition from all angles. Please be respectful, but tell legislators on social media to Say No to Cap and Trade and No to New Taxes. Below you will find messaging points.
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WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: If you are interested, or know someone who is interested, in writing a letter to the editor in the local paper, let us know! We will help them along the way get a letter drafted and placed.
The bill isn't public yet, but once it is, we will need your help to submit written testimony and get people to Salem to oppose the bill in person.
In the spirit of fiscal conservatism and limited government, House and Senate Republicans are joining forces to propose a plan that refocuses ODOTs core mission, sidelines wasteful spending, and DOESN'T raise the cost of living in Oregon.
Yes, it CAN be done. We can fix our roads and plow the snow without increasing the cost of living.
DEMOCRATS HAVE A SUPERMAJORITY. NO REPUBLICAN SHOULD SUPPORT NEW TAXES OR CAP AND TRADE.
Messaging points you can use to draft posts to social media or write emails to legislators:
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Behind closed doors, and from the basement of the Capitol, Democrats have decided to bring back their costly Cap and Trade scheme that will make it more expensive for working families to live in Oregon.
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On top of Cap and Trade, the Democrats’ transportation plan adds billions in new taxes, tax hikes, and fee increases that Oregonians simply cannot afford.
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Their plan will make it more expensive for families to drop their kids off at school, drive to work, and pick up groceries, while snubbing Oregonians’ call for accountability.
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Cap and Trade is an out of touch policy that increases the cost burden on Oregonians who will face supercharged fuel and utility costs.
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Cap and Trade allows corporations to buy permits to pollute while passing down cost increases at the gas pump, on your utility bill, and at the grocery store, to hard-working families.
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Cap and Trade is a full government takeover of Oregon’s economy that sets unrealistic carbon limits that only powerful corporations can afford, while farmers and small businesses suffer.
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Cap and Trade creates a slush fund for Salem politicians that punishes farmers and producers, rewards cronies, and drives smaller businesses under.
Resources
Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)
OLIS is used to track process for a given session. Members of the public can see committee meeting schedule, committee agendas, what bills are being heard, and how to egage in those proceedings.
Oregon Citizens Lobby sends out weekly list of what is being discussed in the Oregon legislature for the coming week. You can comment and vote your own opinion. Go to their website for information on how to get involved with this active group.
Oregon Secretary of state is your go to for registering to vote, check on your voting status, election results, and all things related to voting and elections in Oregon.