We have one last opportunity to stop HB2800. The Oregon House of Representatives just approved a blank check to fund the boondoggle known as the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). Our last hope is to stop the Oregon Senate from moving forward. We must make the Senate hear the voices of the grassroots rather than the crony capitalists.

See below for a list of Senators to call right now and talking points you can use to pursuade them!

Why should you be concerned about CRC? It is clear that a vote for HB2800 is a vote in support of a gas tax in 2015. Just four years ago, Oregon taxpayers approved the largest gas tax increase in our history, yet by 2015 we will be out of money because the CRC will suck every dime out of the current fund. There will be no other way to pay our share of the $3.5 billion, but to pass another gas tax or see all other transportation projects come to a stand still. This will result in creating pressure statewide to increase the gas tax in 2015. Are you concerned yet? The proposed tolls will be a drop in the bucket compared to the real impact taxpayers would feel at the gas pump. 

Talking points to share with the Senators:

·        A vote for HB 2800 is a vote for a gas tax increase in 2015.

·        There is no justification for an emergency clause on this bill. It is a blatant attempt to hurry the bill through without letting it get public scrutiny.

·        The bill should go through the Ways & Means Committee to shine light on the true financial impact it will have on each and every citizen in Oregon.

·        Oregon is once again willing to trade permanent Oregonian jobs for the prospect of a few temporary ones that are not likely to even go to Oregonians.

·        There is clearly no financial plan or accountability if the project has cost over-runs. In a Congressional Research report issued on 12/26/2012, it is clearly stated that the federal funding for transportation and mass transit projects will be inadequate as of 2014, yet Oregon is still heading blindly down the path of no return.

Please call every Senator listed below RIGHT NOW!

Co-Chair Senator Bruce Starr      503-986-1715

Senator Herman Baertschiger      503-986-1702

Senator Brian Boquist                 503-986-1712

Senator Betsy Close                   503-986-1708

Senator Ted Ferrioli                     503-986-1950

Senator Larry George                   503-986-1713

Senator Fred Girod                      503-986-1709

Senator Bill Hansell                     503-986-1729

Senator Tim Knopp                      503-986-1727

Senator Jeff Kruse                       503-986-1701

Senator Alan Olsen                      503-986-1720

Senator Chuck Thomsen              503-986-1726

Senator Dou Whitsett                  503-986-1728

Senator Jackie Winters                503-986-1710

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 2 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 34 state chapters and affiliates. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org