Oregon House Republicans Demanding Action on School Funding

House Democrats reject own budget, 18 percent increase in school funding.

Photo: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - Rep. Jerry Krummel (R-Wilsonville) led a House Republican effort to bring the 2007-09 K-12 education budget to an immediate vote.

The caucus proposed bringing HB 5020 to the Floor, and funding schools at the level proposed last week by the Democratic Co-Chairs of the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

At $6.245 billion, the budget proposed would have given schools an 18 percent funding increase.

It also would have enabled school districts to start developing their 2008 fiscal year budgets.

The majority Democrats blocked a vote on HB 5020, and rejected an education budget proposed by members of their own party.

“I was truly hoping to move the kids to the head of the class by bringing the latest school budget to the House Floor,” said Rep. Krummel, a member of the House Education Committee.

According to the 2007-09 Co-Chairs Budget document, a $6.245 billion K-12 education budget would assure Oregon’s schools have a full school year and reduce class sizes throughout the state.

Earlier in the Session, Democrats rejected a measure that would require the Legislature to fund schools within 81 days of the session.

Twelve weeks into the legislative session, the Democrats have just started formal public hearings on the State School Fund.