US Energy Crisis

A referendum on Oregon's primary ballot seeking to repeal a Democratic gas tax increase is complicating the affordability message  central to the party's midterm election strategy. The Democratic-controlled Legislature raised the state gas tax and other fees last fall as a way to pay for roads and plug a hole in the state’s transportation budget. Republicans responded with a petition to repeal the increases. That's leading to a referendum that will land before voters just as the Iran war is causing the price of gas to skyrocket around the country. Republicans say the tax increase will further fuel the high cost of living.