Largest jobs bill of the session passes with leadership from Starr

Salem, OR — For the fifth session in a row, Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) has played a key role in crafting a transportation package that is projected to put thousands of Oregonians to work, relieve key transportation bottlenecks around the state and help ensure the long term economic viability of the state.  House Bill 2001 passed the Senate floor 24 to 6 on Friday.  
 
“This bill is about creating lasting jobs for Oregon families in the short and long terms,” said Starr.  “In the short term this bill puts people to work building the projects, and in the long term these projects will increase the economic vitality of our state and make this a more attractive place to operate a business.  This is an example of the quality product Oregonians can expect from their legislators when they put partisanship aside and unite around a compromise that puts Oregon’s future first.”  
 
House Bill 2001 raises $300 million to bond and invest in Oregon’s transportation infrastructure, 50% going to cities and counties and 50% for statewide investment.  The bill funds 50 projects spread across the state, equaling $960 million in investment.  For the first time, this transportation package includes a list of the projects in the bill that are funded so taxpayers know exactly what their tax dollars are buying.  Projects in Washington County include the Highway 26/Glencoe interchange, the Highway 26 lane expansion, and the Shutte Road interchange.  
 
The bill increases the car registration fee by $16 a year, increases the title fee by $22, increases the cost of replacement and vanity plates and increases the gas tax by six cents in January, 2011 or after two straight quarters of economic growth.
 
“Every corner of Oregon will see projects that reduce congestion and improve the ability to move goods and services to buyers outside of the state,” said Starr.  “This helps establish a solid economic foundation from which we can build a robust economy.”  
 
As Chair of the House Transportation Committee in 2001, Bruce Starr spearheaded the first investment in Oregon roads in over a decade by forging an alliance between traditional enemies truckers and AAA.  Every regular session since has made an investment in transportation with Senator Starr’s leadership.