Oregon Legislature Approves $93 Billion Education Budget

Bipartisan agreement funds K-12 schools for the next two years

Budget includes significant investments in early childhood education, teacher salaries, and school safety

Salem, Ore. - Oregon lawmakers on Thursday signed off on a 93 billion budget to fund K-12 schools for the next two years. The budget, which was approved by both the House and Senate, represents a significant increase in funding for education.

The budget includes $1.5 billion for early childhood education, $800 million for teacher salaries, and $200 million for school safety. It also includes funding for new programs, such as a statewide computer science curriculum and a program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.

"This budget is a major investment in our children's future," said Governor Kate Brown. "It will help us to improve student achievement, close the opportunity gap, and make sure that all of our students have the opportunity to succeed.

The budget was approved by a bipartisan vote, with all Democrats and most Republicans voting in favor. The only Republican to vote against the budget was Senator Fred Girod, who said he was concerned about the size of the budget and its impact on taxpayers.

The budget will now go to Governor Brown for her signature. She is expected to sign the budget into law in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The passage of the $93 billion education budget is a major victory for Oregon's students and schools. The budget represents a significant investment in education and will help to improve student achievement, close the opportunity gap, and make sure that all of Oregon's students have the opportunity to succeed.