Act to protect Oregon workers and our communities

Call to submit legislative testimony in support of ODOT Workers!We Must Act NOW to Protect Oregon Workers and Our Communities!

We face a transportation crisis that demands immediate action. Governor Kotek’s funding package isn’t just policy—it’s a lifeline for working families and a critical investment in Oregon’s future. 

Hundreds of Good Union Jobs Hang in the Balance

  • September 15 is the deadline: Without legislative action THIS MONTH, hundreds of ODOT workers—our neighbors, union members, and skilled professionals—will lose their jobs
    • These are essential workers: The same people who clear our roads during ice storms, repair bridges after earthquakes, and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Oregon moving
  • A second wave of layoffs looms in January: We cannot allow working families to face unemployment while our infrastructure crumbles.
  • Union solidarity demands action: When workers who keep us safe face layoffs, we stand together and fight for their jobs! 

This is About Economic Justice and Community Survival

  • Rural and urban communities united: From Portland to Pendleton, every Oregon community depends on functioning transportation infrastructure.
  • Transit equity at stake: Public transportation—the lifeline for working families, seniors, and people with disabilities—faces devastating cuts without this funding.
  • Economic development depends on infrastructure: Good jobs and thriving communities require roads, bridges, and transit systems that actually work.

We’ve Waited Too Long—Decades of Neglect End NOW

  • Years of Republican obstruction have left Oregon’s transportation system chronically underfunded while our bridges age and roads deteriorate.
  • Democratic leadership is stepping up: Governor Kotek, Senate President Wagner, and Speaker Fahey are delivering the bold action Oregon needs.
  • This is our moment: We have unified Democratic control and the political will to finally invest in Oregon’s future.

Safety is a Democratic Value—And It’s Under Threat

  • Bridge inspections and road maintenance keep families safe on their daily commutes.
  • Emergency response depends on good infrastructure: When wildfire or natural disaster strikes, we need roads and bridges that can handle evacuation and emergency vehicles.
  • Working-class communities suffer most when infrastructure fails—they can’t afford private alternatives when public systems collapse.

Fiscal Responsibility Means Strategic Investment

  • Smart budgeting: This package protects our emergency reserves for wildfire response while solving the transportation crisis.
  • Preventing bigger costs later: Every dollar spent on maintenance now saves ten dollars in reconstruction later.
  • Accountability built in: ODOT will answer to taxpayers for how these funds are used—the transparency Oregon deserves.

Our Democratic Coalition is United

  • Mayors across the state are sounding the alarm: Local leaders from both parties recognize the urgency.
  • County commissioners demand action: Rural and urban counties alike face transportation emergencies without this funding.
  • Transit advocates mobilizing: Organizations fighting for transportation equity support Governor Kotek’s proposal.
  • Labor unions standing strong: This is about protecting good jobs and the services working families depend on.

Our legislature

 can either act decisively to protect Oregon workers and invest in our shared future, or we can watch as essential services collapse and working families pay the price.

This is our test as Democrats: Do we stand with working families when they need us most? Do we invest in the infrastructure that connects our communities and powers our economy? Do we choose bold action over political inaction?

The answer must be YES.

Governor Kotek has shown leadership. Our legislative champions are ready to act. Now we must make our voices heard and demand that every Democratic legislator vote YES on this critical funding package.

Oregon workers are counting on us. Our communities are counting on us. The time for action is NOW.

Show your support and submit testimony now.
This is how we build the Oregon that works for everyone.