Legislative Priorities are OSBA's high-profile, high-commitment proactive legislative objectives.

1. K-12 Funding Adequacy

OSBA will vigorously pursue an appropriation to the 2007-09 State School Fund that exceeds the “essential budget level” target, as defined by the School Revenue Forecast Committee, by an amount that represents significant progress towards attainment of adequate funding as defined by the Quality Education Model.

2. K-12 Funding Stability/Predictability

OSBA will vigorously support K-12 funding stability/predictability legislation, similar to proposals advanced by the House Speaker and Governor in 2005, that meets the following criteria:

• Starting Point. The beginning point for calculation of future biennial growth must exceed the essential budget level calculation for the base biennium.
• Biennial Growth. Biennial growth in total K-12 operating revenue (State School Fund plus local formula revenue) must exceed biennial education sector cost increases, as determined by the state Department of Education, and establish a clear path towards funding adequacy as defined by the Quality Education Model.
• Education Stability Fund. The amount retained in the Education Stability Fund must be sufficient to maintain the fixed level of biennial growth in times of economic distress.
• School Improvement Funds. The distribution of any school improvement monies to school districts must be made on an equitable per-student basis and maximum flexibility must be granted to districts for expenditure of those funds.
• Capital Matching Account. The distribution of Capital Matching Account monies to school districts must be made in a way that recognizes local effort and diverse district needs.

3. Structural Tax Reform

OSBA will vigorously support structural tax reform that will reduce the volatility of Oregon’s current tax system and raise the revenue necessary to provide K-12 school funding adequacy as defined by the Quality Education Model.

4. Double Majority

OSBA will vigorously support repeal of the double-majority requirement for voter approval of school district and other local government property tax finance measures.