Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee and a co-petitioner with the No Tax Oregon campaign, said he opposes moving the measure to May, citing concerns that it would limit voter turnout. Starr was in the majority on a transportation committee when a 1999 transportation bill passed and set the referendum election date for May. In that election, more than 87% of voters rejected a gas tax increase. Tina Kotek said lawmakers have had thoughtful discussions on rearranging existing dollars in the Oregon Department of Transportation budget toward maintenance and operations. -- Mia Maldonado, Oregon Capital ChronicleThe Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.