Legislature awaits revenue forecast, K-12 budget a target
May 11, 2007 Issue (59k ) of Legislative Highlights

Next Tuesday, May 15, the Legislature receives the state revenue forecast that helps determine budget levels and crystallize state spending plans for the next two years.

Most Recent Revenue Forecast

OSBA and other K-12 budget advocates are working to protect the $6.245 billion budget proposed by the co-chairs of the Joint Ways and Means Committee while recommending fund sources that could preserve K-12 money and increase spending for community colleges and higher education. The K-12 budget is scheduled to be acted on by the Ways and Means Committee during the week of May 21.

The proposed K-12 budget became more of a target when legislative negotiations over taxes stalled last week. At the same time, universities, community colleges and state police are demanding better funding.

According to an Associated Press article, legislators such as Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham) are looking at the K-12 funding pot:

"I am sure we would look at that," said Sen. Monnes Anderson. "I just don't see where else we could go."

Monnes Anderson, a human services advocate who helped shape the children's health legislation, said she thinks the odds of a tax increase making it through the House are 50-50. Democrats control the House by a 31-29 majority, but any revenue-raising measure needs a 60 percent margin, or 36 votes, to pass.

Democrats, who also control the Senate and the governor's seat, have typically been friendly to the pleas of school advocates, who have argued for a $6.3 billion appropriation.

OSBA and other K-12 advocates have been looking for other sources to plug the higher education and community college budget holes:

A $139 million ending balance for the state budget that lawmakers have slated to go into savings.

A $50 million proposal for assistance to rural counties that might lose federal money paid to counties that have lost revenue from timber production.

Any extra funds that surface from the May 15 economic forecast and increasing lottery revenue.

OSBA members are urged to contact their legislators to support the proposed K-12 budget of $6.245 billion. Persuasive contacts describe what the re-investment of funds will mean in your school district. Call the Capitol Switchboard, 800-332-2313, to talk to your legislators.