Democrats scramble to advance multibillion dollar transportation package with just days to act

After leading Democrats trimmed back their proposed tax and fee increases to win over at least one reluctant legislator, lawmakers on Thursday cleared a significant transportation bill out of a crucial committee.

Although less than in a previous version supported by Democrats, the most recent version of a plan to fund road maintenance and repair as well as other transportation improvements would increase or impose taxes and fees to enhance funding for Oregon’s transportation network. In the end, the new proposal would generate roughly $1.6 billion annually, primarily for the state’s roads and bridges’ basic upkeep and improvements.

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