Gov. Tina Kotek Calls For Special Session And $5 Billion Tax Hike, Then Goes Shopping

By Staff

Photographer unknown. Tina Kotek dodged her own special session over Labor Day weekend to go shopping in Astoria.

SALEM, Ore. - After calling a special session and dragging state legislators back to the capitol, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek left town. That special session was scheduled to push through Kotek's own proposed $5 billion tax package, which, she said, was intended to make up for ODOT shortfalls.

The timing of the session during Labor Day weekend made participation especially difficult for both legislators and members of the public alike. Kotek, however, opted to skip the session by going on a vacation and shopping spree in Astoria.

Kotek's location was kept secret for her safety, according to staff, as Kotek faces widespread public ire. Other solutions were available to solve the ODOT shortfalls, which could have avoided tax hikes. Both the solutions and the feedback were ignored by the governor.

By the end of the day, lawmakers were left to deliberate the $5 billion proposal in her absence. Many noted the unusual nature of convening an emergency session on a holiday weekend while the governor herself was not present.

The public response was overwhelming. More than 90% of testimony opposed the package, citing concerns that it would worsen the state’s already high cost of living and drive more families and businesses out of Oregon. Suggestions offered included restructuring ODOT spending, increasing oversight on project management, and reassessing administrative costs before turning to tax hikes.

Kotek remains the least popular governor in the United States. Meanwhile, the package has passed the House and moves to the Senate.