The bill, House Bill 3991, was originally proposed to raise an estimated $5.8 billion over a decade through a series of tax increases. The version that moved forward Sunday is expected to generate roughly $4.3 billion, following a key compromise: a proposed 0.1% payroll tax for public transit was limited to a two-year duration instead of being made permanent.
The change came after Republican lawmakers withheld their attendance on Friday, denying the House the quorum needed to conduct business. Their cooperation on Sunday followed Democratic concessions, though Republicans were unable to block other fee increases, including a six-cent gas tax hike and higher vehicle registration fees.
“It really is something that I just continue to hear relentlessly and persistently from voters,” said Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “They just can’t afford more tax.”
The trimmed transit funding was a blow to agencies statewide that have warned of service cuts without a stable financial boost. “We’re setting ourselves up for another fiscal cliff in this really vital public service,” said Sen. Khanh Pham (D-Portland), the only committee member to vote against the amendment.
Notably absent from Sunday’s hearing was Governor Kotek, who called the special session over the holiday weekend but did not appear to advocate for her bill. Her office stated she canceled a planned vacation and was “closely monitoring proceedings,” though her location was not disclosed.
The bill now moves to the House floor for a final vote Monday before heading to the Senate. Democrats hold supermajorities in both chambers, enough to pass the tax increases without Republican support, though internal unity remains a key question.