Senate President Courtney: Use Special Session to Help Schools

Senate President Peter Courtney

(SALEM) - In response to a lawsuit filed today charging the legislature with inadequately funding K-12 schools, Senate President Peter Courtney reiterated his support for sending surplus lottery earnings to K-12 schools statewide during a special session this year.

`Right now, we`re trying to come up with about $140 million for seniors, people with disabilities and foster care children and $42 million for school districts. After we do that, I`ll talk to you about the lawsuit," said Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn).

Courtney favors convening a special session this year to address the $140 million Oregon Department of Human Services budget shortfall and to earmark about $42 million in surplus lottery earnings to K-12 schools statewide.