In a recent special legislative session, the Oregon Legislature approved Gov. Tina Kotek’s plan to increase taxes and fees to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). During the 2025 regular legislative session, NFIB members voted overwhelmingly (93% of respondents) to oppose similar tax and fee increases.

Among several other provisions, the governor’s plan includes:

— A 6-cent increase in the state’s gas tax from 40 cents to 46 cents.

— A $42 increase to vehicle registration fees, which previously ranged from $126 to $156.

— A $139 increase to the state’s title fee, which previously ranged from $101 to $116.

— A doubling of the existing employee payroll transit tax from 0.1% to 0.2% for two years.

Oregonians are currently organizing a referendum petition to halt these tax and fee increases from taking effect so that voters can have the final say. They need to collect 78,000 signatures by December 30, 2025 to qualify for the November 2026 General Election Ballot. If the signature-gathering effort fails, the bill immediately takes effect the following day.

You can learn more about this effort, including how to sign the petition, contribute financially, or by volunteering to collect signatures, at www.stopthegastax.com and www.notaxor.com

*This communication is intended for NFIB members and employees.