Rep. Matt Wingard on TriMet and Payroll Taxes

On May 27, the House of Representatives debated Senate Bill 34 to give TriMet the authority to increase payroll taxes. Rep. Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville) rose to oppose the bill, arguing that the agency raised taxes four years ago and has received a vast increase in funds, yet service has actually been reduced.

In this clip, Rep. Wingard argues that TriMet's employee benefits structure is unsustainable, and that TriMet's expensive commitment to rail transit has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars.

Before raising taxes on working Oregonians in the Metro area, Rep. Wingard argues that TriMet should end the free rides for downtown Portland passengers, and negotiate the next union contract to reduce health care costs for current and retired employees. It’s also time to hold TriMet accountable for projects, such as the Westside Express Service, that have cost billions of dollars without reducing Portland-area congestion.

SB 34 passed the House on a 32 to 28 vote.