In Oregon, the debate over transportation funding is intensifying as Democrats present a comprehensive plan to address road and bridge maintenance. While opinions vary on the likelihood of this package passing, opponents are already mobilizing to take it to voters. Former state Senator Brian Boquist has launched a political action committee named "No Gas Hikes" with the aim of collecting signatures to place the proposal on the 2026 ballot if it becomes law. The Democratic proposal involves tax increases and oversight measures, including adjustments to gas taxes, vehicle registration fees, and new car sales taxes, among other provisions. With significant financial backing from auto dealers and past legislative experience, Boquist and his allies are preparing for a potential showdown at the polls.
Boquist's initiative reflects growing concerns about the Democratic transportation funding plan. The proposal, House Bill 2025, seeks to increase the state’s gas tax by 15 cents per gallon, introduce a 2% tax on new car sales, and establish a per-mile fee for electric and hybrid vehicles. These measures aim to generate substantial revenue—potentially exceeding $1 billion annually—to fund infrastructure projects and enhance oversight of the Oregon Department of Transportation. However, critics argue that the plan lacks bipartisan support and may disproportionately affect road users. Boquist emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach, suggesting that without broad consensus, the bill should return to the drawing board.
Support for Boquist's PAC comes primarily from auto dealerships opposed to increased taxation on car sales. As of recent reports, No Gas Hikes has amassed nearly $186,000 in contributions. Republican campaign consultant John Swanson, co-director of the PAC, highlights its preparatory role, ensuring readiness should the bill pass into law. Swanson clarifies that his involvement remains distinct from his legislative duties, focusing instead on building an operational framework for potential referendum efforts. This strategic groundwork underscores the seriousness of opposition to HB 2025.
Historically, Oregon voters have resisted gas tax hikes. In 2000, a similar proposal faced overwhelming rejection, with 87% voting against it. Despite recent local successes in cities like Portland, statewide acceptance remains uncertain. Democratic Representative John Lively voices skepticism, predicting failure if the measure reaches the ballot. Meanwhile, Boquist draws upon his experience crafting the 2017 transportation package, acknowledging the fluid nature of legislative negotiations during the session's closing days. He anticipates critical developments as pressure mounts for either compromise or confrontation.
As the legislative session progresses, all eyes remain on whether compromises can be reached to secure passage of the transportation funding bill. Should the measure survive legislative scrutiny, its fate will rest with Oregon voters. The outcome hinges not only on the final form of the bill but also on the effectiveness of campaigns waged by both proponents and opponents. With significant stakes involved, the coming weeks promise intense deliberation and strategic maneuvering.
In recent years, the approach to managing finances among couples before marriage has undergone a significant transformation. A survey conducted by SoFi in August 2024 sheds light on how modern relationships are navigating the complexities of money matters. The findings reveal that many couples today prioritize open communication about their financial status, shared objectives, and future plans.
Financial openness appears to be a cornerstone for many contemporary partnerships. An overwhelming majority of respondents expressed comfort in discussing monetary issues with their partners. This includes revealing details such as debt amounts and credit scores, fostering an atmosphere of trust and collaboration. Moreover, a notable percentage of these couples have already established joint bank accounts or plan to do so in the near future, indicating a proactive stance towards merging their financial lives.
Despite this progress, challenges remain as couples navigate differing perspectives on spending and saving. While most agree on long-term goals like homeownership, occasional disagreements arise regarding budgeting and financial priorities. Nonetheless, the willingness to engage in regular discussions about finances suggests a commitment to resolving conflicts constructively. Many couples also recognize the importance of ongoing education to enhance their financial management skills together.
The evolution of financial practices among couples reflects a growing understanding of the importance of transparency and teamwork in achieving shared aspirations. By embracing open dialogue and collaborative planning, these partnerships set a positive example for others seeking to build stable and harmonious futures. Such efforts underscore the value of mutual respect and cooperation in overcoming common financial hurdles faced by modern relationships.
In recent years, the car-sharing industry has seen significant innovation, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). One standout player in this space is Zevo, a Dallas-based startup that aims to redefine peer-to-peer car-sharing by focusing exclusively on EVs. Founded by Hebron Sher and co-founder Saimah Chaudhry, Zevo emerged from the unfulfilled promise of turning Tesla cars into autonomous moneymaking machines. Instead of waiting for technology that never materialized, Sher took matters into his own hands, assembling a team to create a platform tailored to modern needs.
A key strength of Zevo lies in its ability to cater specifically to gig workers, who represent the vast majority of its user base. Approximately 90% of renters use Zevo's EVs for ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft, or food delivery platforms such as DoorDash. This focus has enabled Zevo to streamline operations, offering both affordability for renters and higher returns for vehicle owners compared to traditional platforms. By leveraging cutting-edge EV technology, Zevo facilitates a seamless "contactless" experience, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges while integrating essential features like commercial insurance directly into its app.
The future looks bright for Zevo, which recently announced a $6 million funding round despite operating for only about 10 months. With over $8 million in annualized recurring revenue and a waiting list exceeding 3,500 customers, the company demonstrates remarkable growth potential without relying on aggressive marketing strategies. Sher attributes much of this success to maintaining financial discipline, deliberately avoiding venture capital to preserve long-term vision and flexibility. While Tesla prepares to launch its own robotaxi service, Sher remains undeterred, emphasizing Zevo’s unique position in disrupting car-sharing rather than competing directly with ride-hailing giants. The demand for efficient transportation solutions is vast, and there is ample room for multiple players to thrive in this evolving market landscape.
Innovation often arises when promises remain unfulfilled, and entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to fill gaps left behind. By prioritizing simplicity, accessibility, and profitability for all parties involved, Zevo exemplifies how strategic focus can lead to extraordinary results. As the world continues to embrace sustainable transportation options, startups like Zevo remind us that creativity, determination, and adaptability are crucial ingredients for driving progress forward.