On June 7, the House passed House Bill 5015 in a bipartisan vote, sending the historic $10.2 billion investment in the State School Fund (SSF) to the Senate. When paired with local property tax revenues, the total formula resources for K-12 schools for the 2023-2025 biennium will reach $15.3 billion.
“With these investments, Oregon families can be sure their children have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond,” said Representative Zach Hudson (D-East Multnomah County), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Education. “This investment will stabilize funding for our schools and allows us to continue to respond to significant equity gaps still lingering from the pandemic.”
After years of good governance, the June revenue forecast provided the Legislature the opportunity to fully resource programs that are proven to uplift Oregon’s students and their families.
“This budget is something to celebrate. In the last decade, we’ve continually made meaningful investments in our schools for students at all levels, from early learning through higher education,” said Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee On Education, and an Educator for over 42 years. “I came to Salem to improve funding for student learning outcomes, the educator workforce, and fostering good learning environments in classrooms. Through increases in budget allocations and the landmark Student Success Act, and with this budget, we are ensuring high-quality and equitable education outcomes for our kids and providing programs that give our students opportunities for future success–whatever that may look like for them.”
“Planning, staffing, programming and quality, all benefit from a sustainable and reliable State School Fund,” said Representative Courtney Neron (D-Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City, Tigard/Bull Mountain & Parrett Mountain), an educator and Chair of the House Committee on Education. “This funding means the world to the education workforce and our students. All of our communities benefit from strong schools and this funding will help us deliver just that for years to come.”
“No two school districts will be impacted the same by this budget,” said Ricki Ruiz (D- Gresham), a former school board member. “These dollars will empower schools, educators, and families to do what’s best for the students in their unique district community.”
After passing the House 52-6, this legislation heads to the Senate. Absent Senate Republicans must return to work in order to move this legislation to the Governor’s desk.
