Oregon transportation panel discusses tax disparity for large trucks
Discussion has begun at the Oregon statehouse to address the issue of large trucks being overcharged for transportation taxes. The Oregon Trucking Association highlights that the trucking industry pays 34% of all taxes owed by Oregon motorists despite trucks representing only 14% of vehicle miles traveled in the state. In January, the OTA and three motor carriers filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the weight-mile tax imposed on trucks is unconstitutional. The Oregon Legislature is considering three bills to rectify the disparity in tax revenue between motorists and truckers. These bills aim to balance costs between cars and trucks, lower weight-mile taxes, and establish rules for issuing refunds to taxpayers who overpaid taxes. Jana Jarvis, OTA president, emphasized the constitutional requirement for equity between light and heavy-duty vehicles, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to correct the imbalance. The committee has not yet voted on the proposed bills, but there is a commitment to finding a solution to the issue.
