Residents across Oregon are mobilizing to challenge new transportation taxes through a statewide referendum. Volunteers from Clatsop County and beyond have been actively gathering signatures since November 13 for the **No Tax Oregon** campaign, which aims to allow voters to decide on four specific tax increases included in a recently passed **$4.3 billion** transportation bill.
The bill, approved by the Oregon Legislature during a special session in September, is designed to address critical infrastructure needs. It seeks to prevent significant disruptions to the state’s road network, avert the layoffs of approximately **500 employees** from the Oregon Department of Transportation, and avoid severe cuts to public transportation services. Advocates of the referendum, including Oregon Senate Republican **Bruce Starr** and Oregon House Republican **Ed Diehl**, are targeting the gas tax, title fees, vehicle registration fees, and payroll taxes for repeal.
As of this week, campaign organizers have reported collecting over **150,000 signatures**, exceeding the required **78,000** needed to proceed. Clatsop County Commissioner **Courtney Bangs** has dedicated her time to this initiative, expressing disappointment over the legislative decision to raise taxes amid rising living costs for many Oregonians.
“I was really disappointed with the legislative vote,” Bangs stated, highlighting that there were alternative funding options available that could have mitigated the financial burden on residents. “I really wanted this vote to go to the people.”
Frustration has been palpable in the community, particularly as the Senate’s voting process faced numerous delays over the summer, compounded by Governor **Tina Kotek**’s hold on signing the bill. Bangs noted that these delays limited the time opponents had to mobilize. She emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, “If we don’t adhere to our own budgets, we don’t have bailouts.”
Diehl recently celebrated the campaign’s momentum, declaring, “We are making Oregon history. This is the largest volunteer signature effort the state has seen in years — possibly ever.” He emphasized that Oregonians are actively seeking a voice in the decision-making process regarding these taxes, which they feel do not reflect their interests.
Virginia Hall, a team captain for the No Tax Oregon campaign in Clatsop County, shared that community engagement has been enthusiastic. “People are nearly chasing us down the streets to sign the petition sheets before we stop collecting,” Hall remarked. She attributed this eagerness to a growing discontent with rising taxes during a time when many families are already struggling financially.
“People cannot afford to have those kinds of price hikes,” Hall added, underscoring concerns about accountability for the funds already allocated to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The campaign has until **December 30, 2025**, to gather the necessary signatures, which they have already surpassed. If verified, the issue will be placed on the ballot for the **2026 midterms**, allowing voters to make their voices heard.
Bangs noted that around **100 volunteers** are currently supporting the No Tax Oregon initiative along the North Coast, with many learning about the campaign through word of mouth and social media. “It just gained a lot of momentum there in the early days,” she explained. “As everybody continued to wait for the governor to sign the bill, I feel the level of discontent rose even further.”
This grassroots effort reflects a significant shift in public sentiment regarding taxation and government accountability in Oregon, as residents seek greater influence over financial decisions that directly impact their lives.
