Springfield Chamber Opposes Statewide Transient Lodging Tax Increase (HB 4134)

House Bill 4134 would increase the statewide Transient Lodging Tax (TLT), raising costs for visitors and placing additional strain on Oregon’s hospitality and tourism sector. This industry remains highly sensitive to price competitiveness and economic cycles. Increasing the tax burden on tourism risks reducing visitor demand and local spending, ultimately undermining a key driver of job creation and regional economic vitality, particularly in communities that rely heavily on visitor-based economies.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has joined a growing coalition of organizations across the state working to protect tourism-related jobs and local economies. Learn more about the coalition at SaveTourismJobs.com.

“In Lane County, the visitor economy is a billion-dollar industry. Even modest increases in lodging costs can influence travel decisions, shorten stays, or shift visitors to neighboring destinations, reducing the local economic activity many small businesses depend on.”

– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

ACTION ALERT
HB 4134 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Revenue on Tuesday, February 4 at 3:00pm. The Chamber encourages members and community partners to engage by registering to testify or submitting written testimony to the committee. You have up to 48 hours after the start of the public hearing to submit written testimony.

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted convener and provider of business resources. They recognize the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provide an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. They advocate for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members. Learn more about the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work.