8 Oregon Trucking Association, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Mark Gibson, Chair OTA in Action Committee/ President, Siskiyou Transportation AS THE 2025 legislative session approaches and with elections on the horizon this fall, it is imperative for members of the Oregon trucking industry to engage actively in the legislative process and make our voice heard. OTA in Action, a longstanding committee we have utilized over the past several years will be more important this coming year than ever before. All OTA members must recognize the increasing significance of industry involvement in shaping future policies and funding decisions. We find ourselves faced with multiple challenges. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is in the midst of a substantial funding shortfall. With critical projects from HB 2017 still pending, a likely proposed transportation funding plan, and OTA’s pending lawsuit against the state are just a few things that highlight the need for proactive participation in the legislative process. It is important that all companies and families that derive their income from trucks understand it is our responsibility to be proactive in advocating for policies and funding that will benefit, yet not create financial hardship for our industry. Getting involved with OTA in Action offers an opportunity to influence the upcoming legislative session. By actively participating in discussions, advocating for funding solutions, and providing insights based on real industry experience, members can contribute to shaping a legislative agenda that aligns with the needs and concerns of the trucking community. OTA is the voice of the Oregon trucking industry and OTA in Action helps our members to step forward and be part of the solution. There are several ways to get involved and make a tangible impact. 1. Attend a Statewide JCT Hearing. First and foremost is the need for legislators to hear our concerns and needs. We have that opportunity now through the Joint Committee on Transportation’s (JCT) “State Transportation Conversations Across Rural and Urban Communities for 2025 Package.” The JCT is holding 12 meetings across the state for the purpose of discussing transportation funding in the 2025 legislative session. They are asking for public testimony on local and regional needs as well as gathering input about how to address the funding challenge. This is a perfect opportunity for truckers to speak up. As of the submission of this article, there have been four meetings: one in Portland and the others in Tillamook, Albany, and Eugene. As you can imagine, the environmental advocacy groups were present and vocal, as well as the No More Roads lobby. There are members of the bike/pedestrian community, as well as local government leaders, all competing for funding and all with differing ideas of how to fund the system. We also had dedicated member trucking companies that participated and helped reaffirm the concerns of the trucking industry. As we all know, there is a great deal of competition for dollars at ODOT. Trucking strives to not only increase capacity but also to maintain it. We still haven’t seen what was promised out of HB 2017 in terms of the I-5 Rose Quarter Project. Oregon truckers pay the highest taxes of any state in the nation. And as I am sure you are aware, we have been GETTING INVOLVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS: A VITAL CALL TO ACTION The call to action is clear: join OTA in Action, be part of the solution, and help shape a legislative agenda that reflects the needs and aspirations of the trucking industry.
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