Dudley Submits Testimony Opposing SB 1599, Proposes Budget-Neutral Gas Tax Relief

OREGON — Today, Chris Dudley, former Portland Trailblazer, philanthropist, businessman and gubernatorial candidate, submitted testimony opposing Senate Bill 1599, legislation that would move the gas tax referendum from the November general election to the May primary.

Dudley criticized the bill as an effort to sidestep voter accountability on a major tax decision that directly impacts working families.

“Oregonians have a constitutional right to vote on tax increases when participation is highest,” Dudley said. “Moving this referendum to the May primary where we typically see lower-turnout undermines public trust and weakens accountability.”

In his testimony, Dudley detailed how repeated legislative attempts to raise gas taxes follow years of mismanagement at the Oregon Department of Transportation, including a $1 billion budget accounting error and widespread project delays stemming from the 2017 transportation package.

Rather than imposing higher taxes, Dudley outlined budget-neutral reforms in his testimony that would deliver real relief to Oregon drivers while funding roads and bridges.

Key proposals include:

• Auditing and reforming Oregon DOT’s budgeting and project delivery practices before raising new revenue

• Redirecting excessive regulatory compliance costs embedded in fuel prices — including costs from carbon programs — back into road maintenance

• Eliminating outdated vehicle emissions testing, a program with a 96% pass rate that costs drivers millions each year

• Increasing transparency so drivers can see where their money goes and ensuring existing funds are spent as promised

  
  

“Oregonians shouldn’t be asked to pay more until the state proves it can manage the dollars it already collects," Dudley said. "With these reforms, we would put money back in drivers’ pockets without raising taxes."

Dudley urged lawmakers to reject SB 1599 and allow voters to decide the gas tax referendum in the November general election, when turnout is highest and the outcome best reflects the will of the people.