Oregon GOP leaders lead petition over Oregon Department of Transportation funding

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  a new petition from Oregon’s GOP is challenging the state’s latest controversial transportation funding bill—pushing to let voters decide its future.

After the passing of the ODOT funding bill earlier this fall and was recently signed by the Governor, Oregon Republicans are working around the clock and around the state trying to get over 78 thousand signatures by December 30th in order to get the measure on the ballot.

KTVZ spoke with State Senator Bruce Starr whose leading the petition. 

"I wouldn't be surprised if we get 100,000 signatures today," St. Sen. Starr told KTVZ News. "Oregonians are upset. they're not happy. they want to have the opportunity to vote on this, and we intend to give it. we intend to give Oregonians that opportunity." 

This petition comes off the heals of the controversial passing of the ODOT funding bill that raises gas taxes by six cents a gallon and raises registration rates on all gas and electric cars.

Additionally, the bill also mandates that ev vehicles sign up for Orego, charging ev users by the mile.

St. Sen. Starr told KTVZ News, "Right now when we have the fourth highest gas prices in the nation, when Oregon families are struggling to to just pay their bills, when energy costs are going through the roof, I mean, natural gas and electricity, Oregonians can't afford to pay more right now."

The petition must receive the required more than 78 thousand signatures in order to be on the ballot.