Opponents Challenge Gas Tax Increase in Oregon: Lawsuit Filed Over Election Timeline
Opponents of the proposed gas tax increase in Oregon are persisting in their efforts to challenge the decision before voters' pamphlets are distributed for the upcoming May primary election. Former state legislator Julie Parrish and attorney Thomas Rask have filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Portland on behalf of the Right to Vote on the Gas Tax political action committee and several individuals, naming Secretary of State Tobias Read as the defendant. The lawsuit seeks an emergency hearing for a temporary restraining order, alleging that the shortened timeline for submitting arguments violated the rights of disabled voters under Oregon law. Residents must collect signatures or pay a fee to submit arguments, and the plaintiffs argue that the legislation's delayed passage jeopardized timelines, as warned by Secretary of State Read. Despite a previous ruling against the plaintiffs, a federal judge did issue a temporary restraining order. The gas tax referendum was moved from the November general election to the May primary by Oregon lawmakers, with Democrats citing the need for more time to consider budget cuts. The outcome of the gas tax hikes is anticipated to be unfavorable to voters, regardless of the election date. A court date for the latest lawsuit has not been scheduled, and KATU will provide updates on the case.