Date: Friday May 2, 2025
To: Senate President Rob Wagner, House Speaker Julie Fahey
JCT Co-Chairs Senator Chris Gorsek and Representative Susan McLain
Cc: Joint Committee on Transportation
RE: Urgent Support for Transit Operations Funding in the 2025 Transportation Package
Oregon is facing a transit crisis. Across the state—from rural districts to urban centers—public transit agencies are sounding the alarm: without additional funding, essential transit service will be slashed, workers will be laid off, and thousands of Oregonians will be left stranded without reliable and affordable access to jobs, health care or education.
At the same time, Oregonians are facing rising costs of living and staggering transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in Oregon, and the second largest household expense. Access to reliable transportation is a major determinant of health, education and opportunity. Transit is the backbone of any just and sustainable transportation system, yet it remains chronically underfunded.
We, the undersigned legislators, strongly urge you to prioritize a phased increase to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) payroll tax, to reach ½ of 1% by 2033 to ensure there are no cuts to local transit service.
This modest and measured adjustment would:
- Stabilize transit service across Oregon;
- Prevent devastating service cuts already announced or anticipated in regions big and small;
- Support essential workers, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and the one in four Oregonians who can’t or don’t drive;
- Advance Oregon’s climate goals by offering meaningful and affordable transportation choices; and
- Create good-paying union jobs and reduce transportation costs for working families.
Every Oregonian deserves access to reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly transportation options. A half-percent payroll tax is a fair and future-oriented investment—especially when the alternative is crumbling transit systems, worsening congestion, and growing inequity. 64% of the public comments received during the 2024 transportation roadshow identified investments in transit as a top priority for the state.
We call on you to make this the cornerstone of Oregon’s 2025 Transportation Package.
The future of Oregon’s transit—and our environment, economy, and communities—depends on it.
Sincerely,
State Senator Chris Gorsek State Senator Khanh Pham
State Senator Anthony Broadman State Senator Jeff Golden
State Senator Wlnsvey Campos State Senator Floyd Prozanski
State Representative Farrah Chaichi State Representative Willy Chotzen
State Representative Mark Gamba State Representative Lisa Fragala
State Representative Rob Nosse State Representative Thuy Tran
State Representative Hoa Nguyen State Representative Ken Helm
State Representative Travis Nelson
Signatures Updated as of May 2, 2025