But as ODOT’s communication noted, these are not typical times: “This crisis could result in the largest layoff in Oregon state government history,” it said. (After the failure of a transportation funding bill in June, Kotek and the department announced the layoffs of 483 workers, most of whom work in maintenance positions.)

More striking still, Boshart Davis says, was ODOT’s next sentence: “Only new funding or having the flexibility to use existing funding in new ways [emphasis added] can prevent layoffs and service reductions.”

Right now, only “new funding” is on the table for the Aug. 29 special session. The latest version of the bill that lawmakers will consider next week includes a 6-cent gas tax increase, a doubling of registration fees, an increase in title fees from $139 to $216, and a doubling of the payroll tax for transit agencies around the state from 0.1% to 0.2%.

https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2025/08/23/as-special-session-looms-on-transportation-funding-odot-quietly-offers-alternative-to-new-taxes/ https://truthsocial.com/@REALJOEHEMP/115091525028476450