OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2018

7 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2018 whitepapers and directed staff to figuring out cost-sharing between light and heavy vehicles. Lawyers in the Capitol are furiously drafting opinions on how exactly to apply carbon legislation to transportation in Oregon without running afoul of the State Highway Fund. How does this impact the OTA legislative strategy in 2019? We too, must tread lightly, but we must also look for opportunities as they arise. They have the numbers, the motivation, and in time they will acquire the sophistication necessary to shake up the existing transportation funding landscape. But at the same time, lawmakers are keenly aware of the trucking industry’s investment in House Bill 2017. This $5.3 billion, 10-year investment is already hailed as the biggest, and most environmentally friendly transportation package in Oregon history. Those responsible for the 2017 package are opposed to jeopardizing their previous work. They also know that trucking is vital to our economy and Oregon is the #1 most expensive state to operate a heavy vehicle. While lawmakers consider the mechanics of a Cap and Invest bill, questions are forming about how heavy vehicles pay taxes under the unique, and expensive, Oregon system. This may provide an opportunity to reopen the discussion on the weight-mile tax as part of a larger discussion of revenue collection under the bill. It is certainly too early to predict how that discussion will unfold, but OTA is committed to reducing costs and increasing efficiency for our members. Call on Salem To reach our legislative goals and fight excessive costs and regulatory burdens, we truly need an all-hands-on-deck approach this session. In 2019, lawmakers may become numb to the constant drumbeat of industry concerns about increased costs. However, they still tend to listen to constituents who vote in their districts and companies which provide jobs within their communities. So how can you help? There are two ways you can get involved. First, join us for the upcoming Trucking Day at the Capitol in Salem on January 29. This event is an excellent opportunity to join a show of force which is simply impossible to ignore. The Trucking Day at the Capitol allows you and your colleagues to connect with legislators, network, see interesting speakers, and support and advocate for your industry. What else can you do? Stay continually involved by becoming one of our OTA Key Contacts. Our Key Contacts are industry members who we pair up with a legislator for the purpose of regular engagement through informal meetings, community coffees, town halls, or district office visits. The goal is to establish an ongoing relationship, so every legislator has a meaningful connection to a trucking constituent in their district. These types of relationships will prove extremely valuable for both legislators and the trucking industry—but it is upon us to make it happen! We are here to provide guidance, training, and support for any interested members. With your help, we can make a tremendous impact this January and beyond.  Contact Waylon with any questions about Advocacy and how you can get involved waylon@ortrucking.org . Our Key Contacts are industry members who we pair up with a legislator for the purpose of regular engagement through informal meetings, community coffees, town halls, or district office visits. TRUCK PAC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE The 2019 legislative session is fast approaching, and it may just be the toughest yet! We need your help with gaining access to candidates and elected officials so we can make sure the voice of trucking is heard. Some individuals have made a commitment to helping us stand together and make a difference. Truck PAC Leadership Circle members contribute at least $1,000 per year to our fund, and we want to recognize them for their support in helping us make Oregon a better place to do business. Remember, any amount counts! Make checks payable to “Oregon Truck PAC” and send to Oregon Trucking Associations, 4005 SE Naef Road, Portland, OR 97267.