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  • Legislative Highlights

Legislative Highlights

State Capitol spring view

Legislative Highlights contains the latest news and information on activities at the Oregon Legislature that affect public education. It is published weekly during Oregon's legislative sessions. Subscribe to the OSBA General News email list to receive Legislative Highlights in your inbox.

Contact Legislative Services staff

Legislative Resources:

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  • Oregon House roster 
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2023 Legislative Highlights
  • Early start brings big topics
    Monday, January 30, 2023
    January has already been unusually busy for the Legislature, and education advocates are watching for more significant developments.
  • Bill aims for true accounting of school funding needs
    Monday, January 30, 2023
    House Bill 2739 would return education representatives to the current service level discussion.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, January 30, 2023
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, January 30, 2023
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Education committee hearing puts focus on students with disabilities
    Monday, January 23, 2023
    Agendas are on display in the Legislature’s first week while education advocates wait to see important agency bills.
  • State School Fund is education policy made real
    Monday, January 23, 2023
    Determining how much school districts will have to spend is a monthslong process with public markers along the way.
  • Topics to watch
    Monday, January 23, 2023
    The Legislature is ramping up slowly, but some bills have already caught education advocates’ eyes.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, January 23, 2023
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
2022 Legislative Highlights
  • Final accounting for 2022 session shows some good returns for students
    Monday, March 7, 2022
    With the Legislature receiving unanticipated extra revenue, hundreds of millions of dollars found their way to Oregon schools.
  • Why does a good legislative session for education feel bad for advocates?
    Monday, March 7, 2022
    Spending envy and political mistrust made it harder for anyone to finish the session feeling like they won.
  • Session crunch brings funding successes and surprising number of dead bills
    Monday, February 28, 2022
    The dust is starting to clear as the Legislature enters its final week, with some good bills having fallen by the wayside.
  • Tensions flare as legislators press causes and bills die
    Monday, February 28, 2022
    Public actions by two senators, a Democrat and a Republican, could indicate a changing tenor in the Capitol.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 28, 2022
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • In debate about campaign filings for school board members, legislators balance transparency and safety
    Tuesday, February 22, 2022
    HB 4114 requires school board members to file a verified Statement of Economic Interest.
  • Final policy deadline this week but most education bills are already on the move
    Tuesday, February 22, 2022
    This year is atypical in that most OSBA priorities have already moved and are ahead of deadlines.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, February 22, 2022
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • First chamber deadline finds OSBA bills in good shape
    Monday, February 14, 2022
    Four priority bills were voted out of committee last week and are destined for another committee or chamber floor.
  • Massive revenue forecast puts chum in water for legislative spending frenzy
    Monday, February 14, 2022
    The state’s reserve funds grew significantly and are projected to top $5 billion during the 2021-23 biennium.
  • Session proceeds at breakneck pace as first deadline looms
    Monday, February 7, 2022
    OSBA is tracking bills with major policy initiatives, minor technical fixes and unintentional education impacts.
  • Money is on everyone’s mind as deals and revenue report loom
    Monday, February 7, 2022
    Lobbyists behind the scenes are more pessimistic than in recent years, and this week could reveal which way this session will go.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 7, 2022
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, February 7, 2022
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Short session loads up with ambitious bills
    Monday, January 31, 2022
    Key education bills would affect school board training, superintendents’ contracts and school funding.
  • Unprecedented Legislature turnover heralds unpredictable short session
    Monday, January 31, 2022
    New leadership means new priorities, and it remains to be seen how public schools will be treated.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, January 31, 2022
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, January 31, 2022
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
2021 Legislative Highlights
  • 2021 session wasn’t all advocates dreamed but wasn’t nightmare either
    Monday, June 28, 2021
    The state’s robust economy would seem to call for more student investment, but the Legislature still did good work for students and schools and possibly set up deeper equity work.
  • 2021 session over? That means it’s almost time to start the next session
    Monday, June 28, 2021
    OSBA is already looking ahead to the 2022 short session and making plans to draw school board members into the policy discussion.
  • Education advocates aren’t alarmed about $200 million veto of State School Fund money
    Monday, June 21, 2021
    Although Gov. Kate Brown struck the money from the $9.3 billion bill, education advocates expect it to be restored in another budget bill.
  • Education department budget contains full Measure 98, Student Investment Account funding
    Monday, June 21, 2021
    The budget approved by an education subcommittee contains the majority of education spending outside the State School Fund.
  • PERS bills rear their heads
    Monday, June 21, 2021
    As the session nears its close, a few bills threaten to chip away at efforts to contain Public Employees Retirement System costs.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 21, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Five questions with school board member Rep. Andrea Valderrama
    Monday, June 14, 2021
    The David Douglas School Board Chair and freshman legislator brings a deep understanding of education concerns and experience working on policy issues.
  • In historic first, Oregon House votes to expel Rep. Mike Nearman
    Monday, June 14, 2021
    Legislators have passionately disagreed on the level of public access to the Capitol, but they came together to condemn Nearman’s reckless actions.
  • Hearings emphasize importance of diversifying teacher workforce
    Monday, June 14, 2021
    While the Senate considers legislation, an informational hearing in the House indicates the Legislature is not done with helping schools recruit and retain more teachers of color.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 14, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Policy committees shut down, but money matters still percolating
    Monday, June 7, 2021
    Statewide education funding continues to dominate discussions, but smaller bills loom large for the affected school districts.
  • Now is the time for school board members to get in the action
    Monday, June 7, 2021
    Legislators have passed an insufficient State School Fund, but there is still time to persuade them that our students deserve better.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 7, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Much-improved bill creating school district equity committees moves forward
    Tuesday, June 1, 2021
    Local school districts will have wide leeway in establishing community panels to support work that responds to underserved students’ needs.
  • The end is in sight, but this is when legislative funny business happens
    Tuesday, June 1, 2021
    Bills are stacking up in the committee that doles out the money, but education advocates have been working together for students’ interests.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, June 1, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Class-size bill amendments address OSBA, COSA equity concerns
    Monday, May 24, 2021
    House Speaker Tina Kotek has proposed applying mandatory class-size bargaining rules only to Title I schools, acceptably narrowing the scope of a bill education advocates have opposed.
  • Revenue forecast recasts State School Funding debate
    Monday, May 24, 2021
    Oregon has extra money now and into the foreseeable future, leaving no good reason not to fully fund public schools.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 24, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, May 24, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Class size bill finding its way despite renewed focus on equity concerns
    Monday, May 17, 2021
    Portland Public Schools’ experience shows how bargaining over class sizes leaves out the students who most have need of additional investment in their education.
  • Weirder than usual weird week puts $9.3 billion as the number to work on
    Monday, May 17, 2021
    The Legislature’s budget writers have put a stamp of approval on a $9.3 billion State School Fund, but education advocates are still fighting for full school funding.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 17, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, May 17, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Day of State School Fund reckoning approaches
    Monday, May 10, 2021
    Education advocates should make their case now for an adequate State School Fund before legislators receive the economic forecast May 19.
  • Every Student Belongs bill moving ahead
    Monday, May 10, 2021
    Those districts that still have not adopted policies banning certain hate symbols can review sample wording from OSBA.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 10, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, May 17, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Teacher diversity bill raises layoff concerns
    Monday, May 3, 2021
    The Legislature’s work is mostly stuck in the mud again, though, as Senate Republicans balk at Gov. Kate Brown’s COVID-19 declarations.
  • Guest column: School board voice helps the workforce diversity conversation
    Monday, May 3, 2021
    The Educator Advancement Council has increased understanding of systemic needs by bringing in a wide spectrum of education viewpoints, writes Bill Graupp.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 3, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, May 3, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Budget writing committee shuts out school board members
    Monday, April 26, 2021
    OSBA has protested vigorously against a decision not to take testimony from elected officials during a series of public hearings on the state budget.
  • Early learning overlaps K-12 education mission
    Monday, April 26, 2021
    The Legislature is increasingly studying how support for families and the youngest children can increase academic success.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 26, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, April 26, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Legislators strike deal to speed up floor votes as policy committees slow down
    Monday, April 19, 2021
    The Legislature has entered a new phase, making it more clear for education advocates which bills have the greatest chance of moving down the line.
  • Protecting teacher diversity serves students
    Monday, April 19, 2021
    An important bill is hung up as OSBA and other partners work to give schools the best tools for deciding which teachers to keep if they are forced into layoffs.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 19, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, April 19, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • State budget ‘road show’ is chance to take advantage of legislators’ attention
    Monday, April 12, 2021
    Recent funding for summer learning shows the Legislature’s understanding of school district challenges, but the State School Fund proposal does not indicate the same level of concern.
  • Facility bills threaten to raise school districts’ costs
    Monday, April 12, 2021
    Legislators need to know that when they add complexity and cost to school construction it can take away from the mission of educating children.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 12, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, April 12, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Legislative dysfunction endangers education bills with universal support
    Monday, April 5, 2021
    Issues such as supporting small schools are caught up in a fight over how the Legislature is being run during the pandemic.
  • Something has to give as pressure mounts to move bills in the House
    Monday, April 5, 2021
    COVID-19, technical glitches and Republican stalling tactics are creating an alarming backlog that could derail important education legislation.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 5, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, April 5, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • In first budget salvo, legislators lowball schools
    Monday, March 29, 2021
    The budget framework from the leaders holding the Legislature's purse strings offers a $9.1 billion State School Fund, which falls far short of what schools need for current services.
  • Board development bill offers opportunity to build better school districts
    Monday, March 29, 2021
    State-mandated training raises concerns with some school board members, but the ultimate goal of better governance is worth supporting.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 29, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 29, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • School equity committee proposal seems positive, but details are key
    Monday, March 22, 2021
    More community input is always a good thing, but if a bill’s language isn’t changed, it could put some districts in a difficult position.
  • Light at the end of the tunnel: Escape or oncoming train?
    Monday, March 22, 2021
    The first legislative deadline gives more clarity about which bills will keep moving down the tracks, but right now everything is rolling slow.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 22, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 22, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Horrific stories of student abuse create call to action, sometimes in ways that aren’t helpful
    Monday, March 15, 2021
    OSBA continues to support legislation that shields students from inappropriate behavior and gives schools the tools to remove problem employees, but some bills would create more lawsuits without more protections.
  • Summer learning programs require planning and input
    Monday, March 15, 2021
    The state’s announced $325 million investment in summer learning and child care is deeply welcomed, but education leaders would like to help shape how it is best distributed.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 15, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 15, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • With first deadline in sight, pressure mounts on ambitious topics
    Monday, March 8, 2021
    Legislative committees must decide in the next two weeks whether to move forward on bills ranging from class-size agreements to hate symbols to teacher diversity.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 8, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 8, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Waiting to join a virtual meeting is not the same as waiting in the Capitol lobby
    Monday, March 8, 2021
    The lack of personal access to legislators makes it harder for education advocates to share valuable information to refine bills
  • Class-size bargaining bill returns, challenging equity gains
    Monday, March 1, 2021
    A one-size-fits-all bill would force schools to make potentially costly decisions with little proven academic benefit.
  • Legislative redistricting also establishes new lines for school advocacy
    Monday, March 1, 2021
    Every 10 years, the Legislature redraws the boundaries for Senate and House districts, shifting political relationships and alliances.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 1, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 1, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Equity and restorative justice bills ask districts to make hard decisions
    Tuesday, February 16, 2021
    A bill that would allow school districts to hire people with drug convictions raises questions about who is prevented from working in schools and why.
  • Prevailing wage bills carry disruptive costs for schools
    Tuesday, February 16, 2021
    Legislation that changes the calculation for public projects would throw a wrench in recent and upcoming bond budgets.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, February 16, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Tuesday, February 16, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • In time of distance learning, online charter schools draw legislative attention
    Monday, February 8, 2021
    Bills that would move the cap on charter school enrollment up or down feed into a deeper policy difference on school choice.
  • If Oregon wants better schools, it must continue to fund the improvements
    Monday, February 8, 2021
    Discussions about ‘current service level’ for the State School Fund are really about paying for teachers and programs to support students.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 8, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, February 8, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Bills offer contrasting approaches to keeping students safe
    Monday, February 1, 2021
    Although Oregon needs to refine legal efforts to prevent inappropriate contact with students, it also must be careful to avoid unintended consequences for school district staff.
  • Virtual world opens up new lines of advocacy communication
    Monday, February 1, 2021
    Legislative meetings last week on K-12 reopenings featured a variety of voices.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 1, 2021
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • Legislative session’s delayed start opens with remote hearings
    Monday, January 25, 2021
    The Legislature is facing a unique process, with limited face-to-face interaction and access to the Capitol.
  • A strange session calls for more member advocacy
    Monday, January 25, 2021
    Virtual meetings offer opportunities for school board members to be part of the process.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, January 25, 2021
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
2020 Legislative Highlights
  • Third special session finally offers liability protections for school districts
    Wednesday, December 23, 2020
    The protests outside the Capitol and some jousting inside did not derail a key tool to help schools offer more in-person instruction.
  • Federal stimulus package would send relief to schools
    Wednesday, December 23, 2020
    The bill awaiting President Trump’s signature sets aside $54 billion for K-12 public education.
  • Legislature packs drama and impact into one-day special session
    Wednesday, December 23, 2020
    With your support and advocacy, schools received long-awaited COVID-19 liability protection.
  • Governor’s proposed budget sets stage for legislative funding discussions
    Thursday, December 3, 2020
    The plan puts real numbers to Oregon’s priorities for its children.
  • OSBA Board members help shape governor’s budget
    Thursday, December 3, 2020
    Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus members participated in the Racial Justice Council’s budget deliberations.
  • Wild year adds new concerns for next State School Fund debate
    Thursday, December 3, 2020
    While COVID-19 has crimped the state budget, it has also created additional education spending needs.
  • Legislature hears about schools and COVID-19
    Monday, September 28, 2020
    Education agency leaders report to the House and Senate education committees during interim legislative days.
  • Legislators discuss revenue report, COVID-19 liability protection
    Monday, September 28, 2020
    The state economic picture is looking better, but budget cuts remain on the horizon.
  • Broadband should be Oregon priority for students
    Monday, September 28, 2020
    Equity demands that every student have adequate access to comprehensive distance learning.
  • Legislature addresses budget shortfall, other policy issues
    Wednesday, August 12, 2020
    A marathon one-day special session balanced the budget while protecting the full State School Fund.
  • Is a third special session possible?
    Wednesday, August 12, 2020
    The economy, the pandemic or social issues could demand legislators return to Salem again.
  • Second special session closes with no liability relief for schools
    Wednesday, August 12, 2020
    A workgroup with representatives for employers and employees is trying to sort out the complicated issue.
  • Legislature convenes for emergency special session to address policing, COVID-19
    Friday, June 26, 2020
    Some issues for schools, including a small schools funding bill and virtual meeting rules, faced no opposition.
  • What is a special session? Questions and answers
    Friday, June 26, 2020
    One special session looks to be wrapping up, but another one is expected.
  • First special session defined discussion of school district COVID-19 liability
    Friday, June 26, 2020
    OSBA membership advocacy has pressured legislators to create a task force to study the issue for an upcoming session.
  • Grim economic report holds some rays of hope
    Thursday, May 21, 2020
    The quarterly forecast was not as bad as some predictions, and Oregon has significant reserves to cushion the fall.
  • Summer program, in-person instruction guidances released
    Thursday, May 21, 2020
    Limited school-based programs will be allowed, but staff and students must maintain health and social distancing requirements.
  • Budgets, reopening are top school district questions
    Thursday, May 21, 2020
    Despite coming state spending cuts, OSBA recommends districts budget for a full State School Fund and show legislators what could be lost.
  • Virtual Legislative Days begin this week
    Thursday, May 21, 2020
    The Legislature has adapted the usual meetings between sessions to account for social distancing requirements.
  • ODE extends pass/incomplete grading to K-8
    Friday, April 24, 2020
    The Oregon Department of Education has issued a series of guidances to clarify its Distance Learning for All efforts.
  • Executive order closing schools through June 30 builds on previous orders
    Friday, April 24, 2020
    The order expands services expected of schools to include social and emotional supports.
  • Legislative board distributes emergency funding, prepares for federal allocations
    Friday, April 24, 2020
    The Emergency Board allocated more than $30 million to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • All eyes are on the May 20 revenue forecast
    Friday, April 24, 2020
    School budget cuts are looking likely while everyone waits to reopen businesses.
  • State, federal and local resources for COVID-19 information
    Friday, March 27, 2020
    A collection of webpage links offers sources for school requirements, legislative responses and available support.
  • ODE guidance updates Student Success Act process
    Friday, March 27, 2020
    Districts must still submit plans by April 15, but OSBA and ODE are offering help on the meeting requirements.
  • Special session for pandemic response likely next week
    Friday, March 27, 2020
    Legislators have been working on recommendations to address the state’s most urgent needs.
  • Quorum and other legislative session questions explained
    Wednesday, March 11, 2020
    The 2020 Legislature offered a lesson on Oregon's constitutional rules.
  • Time to look ahead because session didn’t offer much to look back upon
    Wednesday, March 11, 2020
    A special session to finish the Legislature's business is possible, but it faces some significant planning hurdles.
  • Four walkouts in 10 months shows Legislature has a deep problem
    Wednesday, March 11, 2020
    The recriminations are flying, but that doesn’t settle pressing education issues.
  • Introducing the Weekly Scoop!
    Wednesday, March 11, 2020
    With the end of the 2020 session, Legislative Highlights will be taking a break, but OSBA will still offer up-to-date information on all things related to the Legislature.
  • Legislative walkout leaves education bills in limbo
    Monday, March 2, 2020
    With a week left in the session, these nine bills important to schools are hung up.
  • Walkout tears at fabric of Legislature
    Monday, March 2, 2020
    The rules could change for future legislative sessions if this Legislature continues down its nonproductive path.
  • Wage Security Fund, anti-discrimination bills languish during quiet week
    Monday, March 2, 2020
    A few bills moved to the chamber floors, but they can go no further until Republicans return to the Capitol.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, March 2, 2020
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Small schools could pay price for Capitol drama
    Monday, February 24, 2020
    Important education legislation has been caught in the backlog created by legislators' fight over the climate bill.
  • Slowdown proving effective but blunt tactic
    Monday, February 24, 2020
    Republicans have succeeded in slowing the legislative process, but they could hurt some unintended targets.
  • Anti-discrimination bill adds language to require schools to take cash payments
    Monday, February 24, 2020
    The bill includes hairstyle and dress code considerations that are consistent with OSBA recommendations.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 24, 2020
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, February 24, 2020
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Important education bills survive deadline
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    A bill making necessary technical fixes and one to help fund small schools move forward as the next deadline fast approaches.
  • Breakneck pace sends bills forward while still working kinks out
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    The short session received a shot of good news with another positive revenue forecast.
  • Whole lot of reading required for bills to clear Legislature
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    The constitutionally required process to pass a bill includes several steps to give the public and legislators a chance to respond.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • Anti-discrimination bill runs into opposition over ‘cash discrimination’
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    Rules affecting dress codes and hairstyle policies are consistent with OSBA guidance, but the business community has problems with other aspects of the bill.
  • The Look Ahead
    Tuesday, February 18, 2020
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Education issues create heat, if not headlines
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    In hearing rooms away from this session’s spotlight topics, legislators and education advocates hash out important legislation.
  • Walkout threats heighten short session’s feverish pitch
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    Education advocates are trying to push forward mostly technical fixes before a potential work stoppage in the Capitol.
  • Different types of measures have different purposes
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    The Oregon Legislature can do things such as send a national message, honor citizens, take action against its own members and give agencies direction in addition to passing laws.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • Unemployment insurance, Wage Security Fund and age discrimination raised
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    Business-related bills could affect school funds and labor practices.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, February 10, 2020
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • 2020 legislative session opens with conflict already in the air
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    The climate change fight is sucking up all the oxygen in the Capitol while education bills mostly focus on tweaking laws.
  • Legislative Policy Committee begins 2021-22 process
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    OSBA’s staff in the Capitol take their direction from school board members’ priorities.
  • Tips for reading bills
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    Knowing some key elements of bills’ structure makes its easier to understand the legislative process.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    A roundup of action on bills important to public schools.
  • 'Cap and trade’ holds the business community’s attention
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    The short session will likely touch on other business issues that also affect schools.
  • The Look Ahead
    Monday, February 3, 2020
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
2019-20 Interim Legislative Highlights
  • Legislative days offer preview of 2020 bills
    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
    The education committee bills stick to the idea that the short session is for tuning up the laws, not major changes.
  • OSBA partner's report draws attention to afterschool, summer learning value
    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
    Programs that extend the learning day align closely with the grant-supported goals of the Student Success Act.
  • Capitol watchers ponder a short-session walkout as partisan tensions heat up
    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
    Bills addressing carbon emissions and gun safety will likely dominate the 2020 Legislature’s attention.
  • Legislative website carries searchable wealth of information
    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
    Find out where bills are in the process and check out all the supporting information attached to measures.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, January 22, 2020
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • New year brings new education-related laws
    Wednesday, January 8, 2020
    Most education bills are timed to coincide with the school calendar, but some take effect on the more typical Jan. 1.
  • Legislative seats continue to shuffle as February session comes into focus
    Wednesday, January 8, 2020
    Committee agendas next week will offer clues about the education issues to be tackled in the short 2020 session.
  • Capitol e-Subscribe sets up steady stream of legislative information
    Wednesday, January 8, 2020
    The automated service can be tailored to users’ specific Legislature interests.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, January 8, 2020
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Oregon Business Plan summit connects education and economy
    Wednesday, December 18, 2019
    The annual Leadership Summit explores Oregon’s future, with an eye toward improving schools.
  • Legislature hears first citizen complaint under law
    Wednesday, December 18, 2019
    New rules give the public more access to the complaints process against legislators.
  • Page for a day program writes a lifetime memory
    Wednesday, December 18, 2019
    Know a student who is interested in how the Legislature works?
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, December 18, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Education funding among main topics during November legislative meetings
    Wednesday, December 4, 2019
    The Student Success Act has helped narrow the gap between state school funding and the Quality Education Model vision.
  • Influential education-focused legislators are leaving Legislature
    Wednesday, December 4, 2019
    Recent announcements by legislators retiring or running for different offices will create openings for new school champions.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, December 4, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Legislative Days return with education-related hearings and 2020 bill concept previews
    Wednesday, November 13, 2019
    Legislators will also hear next week the latest estimates of Oregon’s economic picture.
  • OSBA convention offers advocacy and legislative lessons
    Wednesday, November 13, 2019
    The annual gathering presents a wealth of workshops on what is going on in Salem and how you can affect education policy.
  • Walden’s retirement shakes up Oregon politics
    Wednesday, November 13, 2019
    The longtime congressman was a solid advocate for rural school funding.
  • Public committee testimony gives legislators ideas
    Tuesday, November 12, 2019
    When legislators are studying bills, your input can sway the final product if you have prepared well.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, November 13, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Oregon Revenue Department to host public video and phone conferences on new tax
    Tuesday, October 29, 2019
    The state is preparing to collect the business tax that will support the Student Success Act.
  • Fall Regional Meetings offer broad look at new laws
    Tuesday, October 29, 2019
    The annual OSBA state tour, which this year featured the Student Success Act, winds down.
  • Legislative calendar sets the timeline for all session work
    Tuesday, October 29, 2019
    Knowing when the Legislature is working and when it can take action helps guide advocacy planning.
  • The Look Ahead
    Tuesday, October 29, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • PERS bill contributed to minimal rate increase estimate
    Wednesday, October 16, 2019
    The Public Employees Retirement System board adopted preliminary rate projections earlier this month, but the real rates for 2021-23 will depend on 2019 returns.
  • School-based health center opportunity expanded (Guest column)
    Wednesday, October 16, 2019
    The Legislature is investing in a proven support for students, according to an Alliance4Kids representative
  • Build relationships with legislators before you need them
    Wednesday, October 16, 2019
    Some simple habits will make communications with legislators more effective.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, October 16, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • OSBA Fall Regional Meetings start today
    Wednesday, October 2, 2019
    The annual meetings bring OSBA staff to your area to share information, answer questions and take feedback.
  • New law will better protect students from predators
    Wednesday, October 2, 2019
    Senate Bill 155 broadens the regulations on school employee conduct toward students.
  • How an idea becomes a law
    Wednesday, October 2, 2019
    Understanding the process is key to knowing how and when you can influence potential legislation.
  • House Republicans upend leadership ahead of 2020
    Wednesday, October 2, 2019
    The minority party’s maneuvers to increase its legislative numbers could affect education issues.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, October 2, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Legislature’s interim hearings include education funding, audit subjects
    Wednesday, September 18, 2019
    Legislators are back in the Capitol this week to hear how laws old and new are working.
  • OSBA Legislative Policy Committee openings offer chance to guide advocacy
    Wednesday, September 18, 2019
    The nomination deadline for the committee that sets OSBA’s legislative policies and priorities is Sept. 27.
  • Surprising memo moves away from PERS reform bill provision
    Wednesday, September 18, 2019
    The Department of Administrative Services announced the executive branch will not allow PERS retirees to return to work full time, a choice school districts may follow.
  • Make your legislators experts on your district
    Wednesday, September 18, 2019
    Advocacy starts with developing a relationship with legislators before you need them.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, September 18, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus members discuss new school year challenges and aspirations
    Wednesday, September 4, 2019
    It’s an exciting time of year but also a time of added stress for some communities.
  • Oregon Department of Education rolls out Student Success Act toolkit
    Wednesday, September 4, 2019
    The ODE webpage offers guidance for tapping into the Student Investment Account grants.
  • Work together as a board to build relationships with legislators
    Wednesday, September 4, 2019
    Legislative Highlights’ regular series on being a more effective advocate this week covers some basic rules about being a reliable information source.
  • Now is the time for outreach and advocacy to support Student Success Act
    Wednesday, September 4, 2019
    Engagement requirements will be challenging, but OSBA is offering guidance and support.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, September 4, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Challenges to PERS bill filed, implementation issues mount
    Tuesday, August 13, 2019
    Public employee unions have filed a lawsuit challenging portions of SB 1049, the Legislature’s PERS reform bill from the 2019 session.
  • OSBA/COSA 2019 Legislative Report Available
    Tuesday, August 13, 2019
    OSBA and COSA have compiled a summary of the 2019 laws that affect schools and community colleges.
  • Student Success committee shut down, plus other news and notes
    Tuesday, August 13, 2019
    The Student Success Act implementation is keeping education stakeholders busy.
  • The Look Ahead
    Tuesday, August 13, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • ODE announces leader for Student Success Act implementation
    Wednesday, July 31, 2019
    Scott Nine has been named the assistant superintendent for the new Oregon Department of Education Office of Education Innovation and Improvement.
  • Questions and, more importantly, answers about PERS reform
    Wednesday, July 31, 2019
    Senate Bill 1049 made significant changes to the highly complex Public Employees Retirement System.
  • Advocacy at the intersection of politics and school board service
    Wednesday, July 31, 2019
    School board members must straddle local and state politics for the sake of the students.
  • The Look Ahead
    Wednesday, July 31, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
  • Student Success Act architect, former school board member move into leadership roles
    Tuesday, July 16, 2019
    Reps. Barbara Smith Warner and Janeen Sollman have shown themselves to be education advocates, and now they will have more sway.
  • State is gearing up for Student Success Act implementation even as threats to it remain
    Tuesday, July 16, 2019
    The Student Success Act received the big headlines, but OSBA and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators will summarize all the legislative session’s education changes.
  • Boquist conduct hearings stoke partisan tension even after session ends
    Tuesday, July 16, 2019
    Legislators will have a hard time addressing the state’s education needs if they are spending their time and energy fighting each other.
  • The Look Ahead
    Tuesday, July 16, 2019
    Keep track of legislative events and learn about advocacy opportunities in the weeks ahead.
2019 Legislative Highlights
  • Historic 2019 Legislature sets up significant education work ahead
    Tuesday, July 2, 2019
    New laws will increase education funding, cut school expenses and make important policy changes.
  • No rest for Legislative Highlights
    Tuesday, July 2, 2019
    Ramifications from the Legislature’s work will reverberate throughout the year, and Legislative Highlights will continue publishing to keep you informed between sessions.
  • For employers, some of the biggest victories were failed bills
    Tuesday, July 2, 2019
    Business community allies blocked legislation that could have increased costs, but many of those bill concepts will likely return next session.
  • As climate-tax vote drew near, Senate Republicans disappeared
    Monday, June 24, 2019
    House Bill 2020 would establish a cap-and-trade structure for carbon taxation in Oregon that Republicans say would kill jobs and disproportionately harm rural areas.
  • Roiling partisanship clouds Senate president’s legacy
    Monday, June 24, 2019
    Senate Republicans’ walkout challenges Sen. Peter Courtney’s long efforts at bipartisanship.
  • Republicans’ disappearance strands some important bills
    Monday, June 24, 2019
    The legislative session was looking as if it was nearing the finish line, but in a surprising turn of events, the Senate Republicans have once again vacated the building, this time in protest of the expansive cap-and-trade bill.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 24, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Bill to help schools protect students nears the finish line
    Monday, June 17, 2019
    Senate Bill 155 addresses inappropriate school employee behavior that might not necessarily warrant a criminal investigation.
  • Bill to help districts with insurance costs heads to Senate floor
    Monday, June 17, 2019
    The bill allowing double insurance coverage and opt-out payments is supported by public employers and employees.
  • With end looming, legislators are still doing work that is important to schools
    Monday, June 17, 2019
    One of OSBA’s priority bills is moving, and the Legislature is working on cap and trade, which will affect districts’ budgets.
  • With few bills left, interest groups narrow their focus
    Monday, June 17, 2019
    The cap-and-trade bill will be under intense scrutiny as it heads to the House floor.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 17, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • As sine die nears, education funding committee winds down
    Monday, June 10, 2019
    The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee has two bills remaining that absolutely must be moved before the session’s end and a few other important bills to consider.
  • Democratic allies win some, lose some on the Senate floor last week
    Monday, June 10, 2019
    A bill helping labor unions passes while a bill supported by trial lawyers fails.
  • Even in session with historic legislation, ‘little’ bills often make a big difference
    Monday, June 10, 2019
    OSBA has helped pass legislation that addresses specific school district problems.
  • Business advocates looking for wins as session winds down
    Monday, June 10, 2019
    With target sine die only two weeks away, the pressure is mounting to finalize bill negotiations and solidify high-priority legislation.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 10, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • PERS bill drama warns of story lines still to come
    Monday, June 3, 2019
    The bill’s cost containment provisions would reduce employer contributions by $1.2 billion to $1.8 billion a biennium, according to the Legislative Fiscal Office, but unions have vowed to fight it.
  • Business group challenges Student Success Act
    Monday, June 3, 2019
    Oregon Manufacturers and Commerce has to fund the signature gathering and possible campaign, an expensive proposition, without the support of many businesses.
  • Legislature plows forward with PERS reform despite emotional loss of senator
    Monday, June 3, 2019
    Although the PERS bill isn’t exactly what we would have preferred, it is expected to hold rates steady for the 2021-23 biennium.
  • With legislators spending more time on chamber floor, important bills are moving
    Monday, June 3, 2019
    The Republican dam in the House finally broke with an agreement to stop reading every bill in its entirety, and bills are flooding through.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, June 3, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • Public pension reform would open new education possibilities
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    Public Employeees Retirement System cost containment has moved one step closer to becoming law.
  • Following deadline, legislative committees start shutting down
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    The action now shifts to the chamber floors.
  • Senate races to reform PERS while House crawls along
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    Every bill before the House chamber must be read in its entirety because the Republicans are still denying a rules suspension.
  • Negotiations over business-altering bills coming to conclusions
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    Last week marked the beginning of the end of the 2019 legislative session with the announcement of a one-hour posting notice for committee hearings, which speeds the process up.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Tuesday, May 28, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Major re-investment in Oregon schools finally crashes through
    Monday, May 20, 2019
    It was not clear early Monday, May 13, if the all terms of a deal between Senate Democrats and Republicans would hold, but by the close of the floor session House Bill 3427 had passed on a party-line vote.
  • Long-serving education advocates marvel at magnitude of Student Success Act
    Monday, May 20, 2019
    By any calculation, the Student Success Act is an astounding achievement.
  • Focus shifts to taming PERS costs
    Monday, May 20, 2019
    Republicans’ frustration over the Student Success Act stemmed partly from the fact the Public Employees Retirement System diverts a huge chunk of the State School Fund away from classrooms.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 20, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, May 20, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Senate Republicans disappear, taking vote on Student Success Act with them
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    Last week, 11 of 12 Oregon Senate Republicans absconded their constitutional responsibility and failed to appear for Senate floor sessions.
  • Bill would force OSAA to have policies to respond to racist incidents
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    House Bill 3409 would prohibit schools from participating in interscholastic activities coordinated by an association unless that association develops and adopts policies on "equality, civility, dignity and civil rights."
  • Pressure building in Capitol as bills back up
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    The Senate Republican walkout made for a wild week, sort of quiet but very weird, while House Republicans continued to hold their chamber’s movement to a crawl.
  • Advocates need to tell senators to get back to work helping students
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    Education supporters can let the senators know how important passage of the Student Success Act is to their schools.
  • Senate Republicans’ demands overlap with business interests
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    In addition to requesting the contentious cap-and-trade bill be killed, Republicans want to stop the controversial “Janus decision fix” collective bargaining bill.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, May 13, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Legislature has opportunity to pound sense into ‘misshapen creation’
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    More than 45 years after Gov. Tom McCall called attention to one of Oregon’s biggest problems, the 80th Legislative Assembly is poised to tackle the “grave inequities of educational finance.”
  • Education funding notches House win but campaign isn’t over
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    The Senate is expected to vote on the Student Success Act this week.
  • Don’t let sweet victory distract from advocacy still being needed
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    After nearly 30 years, it seems hard to believe that we are so close to a historic reinvestment in public education.
  • Student Success Act negotiations push into other business issues
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    Topics such as workplace discrimination, tobacco tax and cap and trade saw little to no movement as legislators turned their attention to the Student Success Act.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, May 6, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Student Success waiting game continues as members work through tax issues
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    The Joint Committee on Student Success continued its work Thursday, April 25, edging ever closer to a vote on the Student Success Act.
  • Historic education moment calls for school board members’ support
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    Votes are coming on a significant investment in schools, and legislators need to know where your community stands.
  • Emotional issues ignite Capitol debates
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    The pace in the Capitol has slowed, as committee agendas are no longer overflowing with bills.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Revenue plan work builds toward Student Success Act vote
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    The Joint Committee on Student Success has held public hearings on the cornerstones of its bill.
  • While Legislature works through bill backlog, Student Success Committee drives on
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    The committee had two public hearings on House Bill 3427, the new bill that has become the vehicle for the education investment plan and revenue plan.
  • PERS proposal thrown into education investment debate
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    Cost containment remains a legislative concern.
  • Problematic bills for employers survive legislative deadline
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    Paid family leave, collective bargaining, marijuana, workplace discrimination and cap-and-trade legislation dominated the building’s business discussions last week.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Legislature poised for generational investment in education
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    The Student Success Committee has put forth a detailed revenue and spending plan, and Gov. Kate Brown is tackling the PERS problem.
  • Student Success Committee blunts usual effect of bill-killing deadline
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Some bills will likely be rolled into the monumental Student Success Act, including legislation on student safety, social and emotional health, and school meals.
  • Capitol pause followed by momentous PERS and Student Success action
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Most committees took a day off after the April 9 deadline to move bills and did not meet, which was like a vacation day for those of us in the Capitol building. The vacation didn’t last.
  • Local advocates need to push legislators to support education investment plan
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Now is the time to engage with your local legislators and ensure we achieve increased school funding in this legislative session.
  • Senator’s flip allows marijuana bill to move forward
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    The education funding push is diverting attention from "cap and trade" efforts.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Student Success Committee promises draft amendments this week
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    Joint Committee on Student Success Co-Chairs Sen. Arnie Roblan and Rep. Barbara Smith Warner revealed during the Thursday, April 4, committee hearing the plans for the Student Success Act.
  • Bills scurry to escape looming deadline hammer
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    Tuesday, April 9, marks the deadline to “work,” meaning vote on, bills in the chamber of origin.
  • Legislative deadline helps advocates narrow their focus
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    I am certainly looking forward to Tuesday so we can get a better sense of which bills are still alive and have the potential to continue into phase two of the legislative session.
  • Student Success Committee’s plan adds urgency to need for education advocacy
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    Release of the Joint Committee on Student Success’ legislative outline means the Oregonians for Student Success campaign is kicking into high gear.
  • Gun control, cap-and-trade bills slowed ahead of procedural deadlines
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    With the first major deadline of the session looming, there was an increased sense of urgency these past two weeks in the Oregon Capitol.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, April 8, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Time is right for Joint Committee announcement this week
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    This could be the week that co-chairs release details of the investment and funding priorities of the committee.
  • As first deadline nears, policy bills look to be on the move
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    The first-chamber deadline approaches, and policy committees are posting agendas to get bills moving.
  • For public-sector employers, how much is too much?
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    Several bills would expand the benefits of public-sector employees or increase the responsibilities of public-sector employers.
  • Pace keeps picking up as deadlines approach
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    Paid family leave bills draw hundreds turning out for hearings.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, April 1, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Senate Education Committee to discuss employee misconduct bills
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    Senate Bills 155, 156 and 960 represent a major OSBA legislative priority this session.
  • As first legislative deadline nears, proponents push big policy ideas
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    Policy committees in both chambers of the Legislature operate on procedural deadlines, and the first significant deadline is March 29.
  • With spring’s arrival, new crop of legislative education priorities bloom
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    Oregon schools are on spring break this week, but the Legislature won’t be taking a break.
  • Education-supporting revenue package visible on horizon
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    It may not be the beginning of the end, but it is definitely shaping up to be the end of the beginning for this Legislature's work on new revenue for schools.
  • Paid family leave and other employee rights bills have businesses concerned
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    Conversations and hearings have touched on workplace harassment, the personal income kicker and preparation for a hearing on a paid family leave bill.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, March 25, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Student Success Committee begins ironing out the details
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    The Joint Committee on Student Success seems poised to tackle big problems, ranging from student wellness to curriculum choices.
  • Labor unions push bill that would give bargaining advantages
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    House Bill 2016 is a major bill for public sector labor organizations and could be damaging to school districts statewide.
  • Capitol sorting process is beginning to reveal bills of consequence
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    A flurry of recent Capitol activity is setting up some important hearings on bills that could have lasting repercussions with school districts.
  • Videos tell real story of students affected by underfunded schools
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    We have launched the first in a series of videos profiling students from around the state and how a lack of school funding impacts their education.
  • Bills pit worker protections against employers’ hiring needs
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    Behind-the-scenes drama is competing with hard budget numbers for legislators’ attention.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, March 18, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Change in revenue legislation approach makes next budgeting steps unclear
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    The legislative leaders in the Joint Ways and Means Committee delivered their budget framework for the 2019-21 biennium on Thursday, March 7.
  • Co-chairs’ budget shifts funding battle to push to get adequate resources
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    It’s all about the budget this week in Salem.
  • Advocacy campaign transitioning from town halls to state budget hearing testimony
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    Oregonians for Student Success lobby days, in partnership with the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, are continuing, with events for eastern and southern Oregon coming up.
  • Bill changing independent contractor test would affect pay and benefits
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    Legislation addressing workers’ compensation, paid family leave and independent contractor status led business conversations in the Capitol during week 7 of the legislative session.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, March 11, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • One milestone down, co-chairs’ budget yet to come
    Monday, March 4, 2019
    We passed the first milestone Feb. 26, the last day for a legislator to draft an unlimited number of bills.
  • Workers' comp issues dominate business discussions for the week
    Monday, March 4, 2019
    Although marijuana and workplace harassment issues continue to be a priority for legislators, workers' compensation issues managed to consume business discussions last week.
  • Town halls winding down as budget road show begins gearing up
    Monday, March 4, 2019
    With the impending release of the Ways and Means co-chairs’ budget proposal, we added messaging to our lobby days and upcoming town halls.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 4, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, March 4, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Students make impressive pitches for more education funding
    Friday, February 22, 2019
    Teachers and students, out of school for Presidents Day, formed a large school funding rally in the morning on the Capitol steps.
  • Legislators talk with students during Lobby Day
    Friday, February 22, 2019
    More than 25 school board members, students, teachers and administrators attended our Lobby Day on Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Capitol.
  • Bills explore how to report and investigate workplace harassment
    Friday, February 22, 2019
    Cap and trade continues to be the issue of the session, but the shock of the bill has begun to fade, allowing other issues to crowd in, including Medicaid funding and workplace conditions.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Friday, February 22, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 22, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education.
  • Adding more accountability measures isn’t the answer, superintendents tell legislators
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    School districts are already awash in accountability measures, superintendents told legislators at a hearing.
  • Class-size bill returns but remains wrong approach to solving issue
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on class size as a mandatory bargaining issue on Monday, Feb. 18.
  • First lobby day puts education advocates in legislators’ offices
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    Oregonians for Student Success hosted our first lobby day on Tuesday, Feb.12, bringing supporters from Multnomah and Clackamas counties to the Capitol to advocate for school needs, including adequate and stable funding.
  • Marijuana usage bill raises safety concerns for employers
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    Employers testing employees for marijuana and harassment in the workplace remain at the forefront of workplace legislation conversations.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    A roundup of action on bills important to school districts.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 15, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education issues.
  • Education committees consider bills extending help for student mental health crisis
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    Oregon is dealing with a student mental and emotional health crisis, and legislators want to give schools more tools to help young people.
  • Bill governing workplace harassment agreements to have public hearing
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    Marijuana, workplace harassment and independent contractor bills continue to dominate business conversations through week three of the legislative session.
  • Capitol pace remains red hot, even during snow days
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    Tuesday started out slow as members made their way from outside the Salem area, but as usual, everything picked up speed and committees were all back on track by noon.
  • Town hall discusses mechanisms for raising revenue for schools
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    The Oregonians for Student Success road show continued last week with a well-attended event in Eugene that included Rep. John Lively, D-Springfield.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, February 11, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education issues.
  • Trauma Informed Schools projects show early and dramatic positive impacts
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    The House Education Committee heard exciting testimony last week on two bills to extend and expand the state’s Trauma Informed Schools projects.
  • Marijuana, contractor requirement bills concern employers
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    Workforce and business issue discussions ramped up as week two of the legislative session came to an end.
  • Lull before the budget framework storm gives time to prepare for bills
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    This session started out much like every regular session, with folks hustling around the Capitol to talk to each other about their bills and catching legislators in the halls and elevators for brief conversations.
  • Town halls generate education discussion with legislators
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    The Oregonians for Student Success campaign continues to build momentum as the legislative session gets underway.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 1, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening that may affect education issues.
  • Legislature opens session with crush of bills, but important legislation still to be seen
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    The 80th Legislative Assembly opened Tuesday, Jan. 22, and already more than 1,600 bills have been introduced.
  • Workplace harassment policy could affect school boards
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    Wide-reaching discussions surrounding workplace harassment legislation and the Capitol culture make it clear that workplace harassment will be a theme of this year’s legislative session.
  • Legislative session launches with burst of energy before real work starts
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    Session officially began Jan. 22 at the usual pace: a sprint. Gov. Kate Brown and newly elected legislators were sworn in, and then with a bustle of activity, committees met to adopt rules and introduce members.
  • Advocacy campaign amplifies call for education funding
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    Official launch of our advocacy campaign for school funding: Oregonians for Student Success.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol in the past week
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, January 25, 2019
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
2018 Legislative Highlights
  • Political signs point toward Oregon Democratic supermajority in 2019
    Tuesday, March 6, 2018
    If Democrats achieve a supermajority, their 2019 agenda will likely push progressive issues, especially concerning the Public Employees Retirement System and revenue reform.
  • Short-session issues will come back to haunt 2019 Legislature
    Tuesday, March 6, 2018
    The Legislature crammed a lot of action into its 28-day short session. Some bills passed, more bills died and legislators will likely return in 2019 to pick up where 2018 left off.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, March 5, 2018
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol in the past week
  • As the 2018 session’s time draws short, so do tempers and patience
    Monday, February 26, 2018
    Constitutionally, this session cannot go longer than 35 days, meaning legislators must adjourn no later than March 11.
  • Pair of bills would bring transit funds to schools and students
    Monday, February 26, 2018
    The Legislature expects to pass House Bills 4130 and 4059 that would make a significant investment in student transportation.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, February 26, 2018
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 26, 2018
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol in the past week
  • House scheduled to vote on bill to make class size bargaining mandatory
    Tuesday, February 20, 2018
    After several fits and stops, House Bill 4113 is scheduled for a vote today, Feb. 20, in the Oregon House of Representatives.
  • Governor’s PERS bill moves out of committee
    Tuesday, February 20, 2018
    Gov. Kate Brown appointed a task force in 2017 to look at options that could reduce the Public Employees Retirement System’s unfunded actuarial liability by $5 billion over five years.
  • The Week Ahead
    Tuesday, February 20, 2018
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Tuesday, February 20, 2018
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol in the past week
  • Mandatory bargaining on class-size bill scheduled for hearing today
    Monday, February 12, 2018
    The strongly contested House Bill 4113 on class-size negotiations with teacher unions received a relatively short hearing Wednesday.
  • Joint Committee on Student Success begins yearlong effort to foster better schools
    Monday, February 12, 2018
    The committee is working to create a plan to improve educational outcomes for students across the state.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, February 12, 2018
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Legislative Briefs
    Monday, February 12, 2018
    A roundup of action and important events in the Capitol in the past week
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, February 5, 2018
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Short session will get to the big issues quickly
    Monday, February 5, 2018
    Legislators will be working on a variety of complex issues from the drop of the opening gavel.
2017 Legislative Highlights
Legislative Highlights - previous issues (Full issues in PDF format)
  • Chalk up some wins for schools with bills that went nowhere
    Wednesday, July 12, 2017
    “Wins” during session are not always about getting bills passed, but also include the bills that are stopped. Here are some of the bills that schools are better off without.
  • Legislature concludes business, leaving revenue reform work undone
    Wednesday, July 12, 2017
    It was a contentious and frustrating session. Legislators wrestled with raising revenue, cutting spending or some combination of both.
  • Education-related bills await action as Legislature races to finish
    Friday, June 30, 2017
    OSBA has compiled a summary of some of the education-related bills still awaiting action.
  • Subcommittee considers bill adding flexibility to Measure 98 law
    Friday, June 30, 2017
    The subcommittee sent House Bill 2246-A to the full Ways and Means Committee with a “Do pass” recommendation. It would create the statutory language for Measure 98 and establish the High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Fund for the grants.
  • Legislature approves funding at $8.2 billion for K-12 schools
    Friday, June 30, 2017
    Senate Bill 5517 passed the House 31-28 on June 27, setting the State School Fund for the 2017-19 biennium.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, June 23, 2017
    Update on Senate Bill 1008-A (clean diesel and school buses) and House Bill 2597-A (distracted driving and school buses).
  • Native American curriculum bill heard in funding committee
    Friday, June 23, 2017
    Senate Bill 13 would require the Oregon Department of Education to make K-12 curriculum on the Native American experience in Oregon available by the 2019-20 school year.
  • Funding committee hears Farm-to-School funding bill
    Friday, June 23, 2017
    The Farm-to-School program awards grants to school districts to purchase Oregon food products and to develop agriculture- or garden-based educational activities.
  • With no “Grand Bargain” in sight, revenue-raising bill turns up heat
    Friday, June 23, 2017
    After a three-hour, often-acrimonious debate, the House passed a bill that would increase Oregon revenue by an estimated $196 million in 2017-19. House Bill 2060 limits the number of people who can take a business tax exemption created in the “Grand Bargain” of the 2013 special session.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, June 16, 2017
    Update on House Bill 2391 relating to the health care provider tax.
  • Legislature restores recreational immunity to school districts
    Friday, June 16, 2017
    Senate Bill 327 would fix a loophole created by the Oregon Supreme Court’s 2016 ruling in Johnson v. Gibson.
  • Tax reform bill put under intense public and committee scrutiny
    Friday, June 16, 2017
    HB 2830, the “bridge plan,” would temporarily increase the corporate income tax until a new commercial activity tax would begin.
  • Pause for a look at the Legislature before mad dash to sine die
    Friday, June 16, 2017
    This year the constitutional sine die is July 10. Although the session could end before then, it is unlikely because the Legislature still has a lot of unfinished business.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, June 16, 2017
    $8.2 billion State School Fund to get vote.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, June 9, 2017
    Updates on bills relating to the Educator Advancement Council, charter student acess to district extracurricular activities, and public bodies and immigration enforcement.
  • $8.2 billion State School Fund bill moves quickly despite protests
    Friday, June 9, 2017
    Senate Bill 5517 moved forward rapidly this past week. It passed the Senate with an overwhelming 25-5 vote, and could get a vote in the House as early as next week.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, June 12, 2017
    Updated: Committee holding hearings on corporate excise tax rates
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, May 26, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to “Lunch shaming” and Child abuse investigation.
  • Education funding committee hears governor’s education policy bills
    Friday, May 26, 2017
    The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee held its first hearing Wednesday on Gov. Kate Brown’s two main education policy initiatives remaining this legislative session: Senate Bills 182 and 183.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, May 26, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Delay of physical education requirements moves to House floor without opposition
    Friday, May 26, 2017
    A bill to modify and delay physical education instruction requirements that are scheduled to go into effect in July cleared the House Education Committee on Monday.
  • Chamber deadline sharpens focus of Legislature’s work
    Friday, May 26, 2017
    Although the session is trudging along slowly, the second chamber deadline is fast approaching.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, May 19, 2017
    Overview of House Bill 3318 relating to functional behavior analysis for students
  • Clean diesel bill keeps on chugging
    Friday, May 19, 2017
    For school districts, the diesel emissions issue affects buses with older diesel engines.
  • Superintendents praise bonding programs
    Friday, May 19, 2017
    Senate Bill 5505 is the legislative mechanism for authorizing billions of dollars in bonds for projects in the next biennium.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, May 19, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Oregon revenue forecast offers hard numbers for budget wrangling
    Friday, May 19, 2017
    The Office of Economic Analysis released its next-to-last Oregon revenue forecast for 2015-17 on May 16, predicting income will exceed projections made in 2015 by 2.4 percent and the state will have to return $407.8 million to taxpayers .
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to pay equity, priority admissions for charter schools and Advanced Placement college credit
  • Chief Education Office presents governor’s education policy initiatives
    Friday, May 12, 2017
    The Chief Education Office appeared before the House Education Committee to make its case for Senate Bills 182 and 183, Gov. Kate Brown’s education policy initiatives for this legislative session.
  • Legislature develops environmental hazards plan for schools
    Friday, May 12, 2017
    Senate Bill 1062 would highlight possible environmental hazards and create the necessary transparency, education and process to ensure the community, students, staff and schools are informed about hazards and how schools will address them.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    Overview of House Bill 2147 relating to graduation data
  • Senate bill amending physical education requirements faces House scrutiny
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    An amended Senate Bill 4 would give schools more time and flexibility to reach the standards passed by the 2007 Legislature.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    The State Land Board takes on the Elliott State Forest question.
  • Joint Tax Reform Committee works on plan to raise revenue
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    The committee, one of five groups meeting to work on addressing the $1.6 billion state budget shortfall, is tasked with reforming Oregon’s corporate tax structure.
  • Bill would fine-tune requirements for dyslexia screenings
    Friday, May 5, 2017
    Senate Bill 1003 was drafted to ensure a smooth implementation of dyslexia screening in Oregon school districts.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, April 28, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to graduation data and activity access for charter schools.
  • ‘Structural imbalances’ have state budget near tipping point
    Friday, April 28, 2017
    When you don’t have enough money to pay the bills, you need to either make more money, cut your costs or find some mixture of the two.
  • Action Alert: Urge a school funding number of $8.4 billion
    Friday, April 28, 2017
    Oregon’s students need you to once again raise your voices on their behalf.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, April 28, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, April 21, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to diesel emissions for school buses, citizenship test for diploma and teacher license grace period
  • Co-chairs present devastating look at $7.8 billion school funding
    Friday, April 21, 2017
    Legislators gave a preview on April 17 of what is to come for schools if there is no deal on revenue and cost containment this session.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, April 21, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill would alter Measure 98 to give schools more flexibility
    Friday, April 21, 2017
    The changes contained in House Bill 2246-A were crafted with the approval of the Measure 98 campaign, the Confederation of School Administrators and OSBA.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, April 14, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to public records requests, release to play after head injury, Charter admissions and delayed enrollment
  • Education advocates find compromise on physical education standards
    Friday, April 14, 2017
    Ten years ago, the Oregon Legislature set standards for physical education time and gave schools until the 2017-18 school year to comply. The 2007 bill, House Bill 3141, required 150 minutes of physical education per week for elementary school students and 225 minutes per week for middle school students.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, April 14, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, April 7, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to Quality Education Model funding, public contracting (update), district facilities open to tutors, Occupational therapist cap and ELL advisory group
  • Bill raises issues with schools’ child protection responsibilities
    Friday, April 7, 2017
    Senate Bill 101 would prohibit a school administrator or staff member from notifying anyone about a child abuse investigation in progress on school grounds. Current law already states this for public schools, but the bill would add authorization for students in private schools to be interviewed.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, April 7, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Legislative deadline winnows one-quarter of bills
    Friday, April 7, 2017
    Today marks a major hurdle for bills in the Legislature.For a bill to remain “alive,” it must be scheduled for a work session in the policy committee by today, April 7.
  • Bills would protect schools from lawsuits by users of their lands
    Friday, April 7, 2017
    The legal and technical wrangling around “recreational immunity” boils down to making public lands and facilities open to residents without sending insurance costs into the stratosphere.
  • Hearings on higher education funding bill also look at state’s future
    Friday, March 31, 2017
    Senate Bill 5524 would allocate $2.79 billion for higher education in Oregon.
  • Senate Education Committee hears controversial CTE-STEM oversight bill
    Friday, March 31, 2017
    Senate Bill 297 would make major changes to the system of oversight for career and technical education and science, technology, engineering and math programs.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, March 31, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Pilot program would aim to simplify putting more nurses in schools
    Friday, March 31, 2017
    A year-long task force charged with figuring out how to get more nurses in schools led to Senate Bill 111. Given the significant budget situation facing the legislature, the bill was amended to be moved forward as a pilot project, which would limit participation to nine school districts.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, March 24, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to the school improvement investment fund, the incentives for higher level mathematics courses and department of State Lands budget
  • Paid family leave bill presents financial, logistical problems
    Friday, March 24, 2017
    A packed hearing room heard testimony Thursday by a variety of workers who faced situations that paid time off could have made more bearable.
  • School board experience prompts transit money bill
    Friday, March 24, 2017
    The House Education Committee took testimony on HB 2693-A, which would allow for additional transportation reimbursements.
  • Bill would change transfer process for assets like Elliott State Forest
    Friday, March 24, 2017
    Senate Bill 847 would set up a land transfer account that would allow selling underperforming state trust lands to a tribe, federal agency or another state agency.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, March 17, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to urban renewal and superintendent of public instruction as statewide elected office
  • OSBA presses for bill to force Quality Education Model funding
    Friday, March 17, 2017
    House Joint Resolution 4 is one proposal to fully fund Oregon’s Quality Education Model.
  • OSBA and COSA hold successful Legislative Day at the Capitol
    Friday, March 17, 2017
    OSBA Board President Betty Reynolds told attendees, "Our top priority is adequate and stable funding for education."
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, March 17, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Unnecessary workplace bullying bill increases costs, opponents say
    Friday, March 17, 2017
    OSBA testified in opposition to Senate Bill 292.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, March 10, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to virtual charter schools, high school graduate reporting, OEBB opt-out, PERS agency budget.
  • School districts fight addition of hurdles to contracting rules
    Friday, March 10, 2017
    Senate Bill 294 would make significant changes to the public contracting code, and proponents are seeking an amendment that would carve out cities and counties, leaving school districts as the target of the law change.
  • Committee considers charter students’ access to activities
    Friday, March 10, 2017
    Proposed amendments being drafted for Senate Bills 536 and 208 would allow district schools to charge charter school students participating in extracurricular activities.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, March 10, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, March 3, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to revenue on workers’ rights awareness, dedicated TAG funding, predictive scheduling in the workplace and statewide FFA support and funding.
  • Budget puts many missions of Oregon education on display
    Friday, March 3, 2017
    The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee began its work on the education budget with an overview of the Oregon Department of Education this week.
  • Legislature ponders use for excess in PERS contingency fund
    Friday, March 3, 2017
    OSBA is interested in possibly retaining excess funding in the contingency reserve to help offset the difference when the PERS system does not meet the assumed rate. This would bring down the employer rate.
  • Teacher Standards and Practices Commission wants to add staff
    Friday, March 3, 2017
    The TSPC budget contains two new hiring requests since the last biennium: an additional customer service employee to respond to phone calls and an additional employee to implement database upgrades.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, March 3, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, February 24, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to revenue on marijuana sales, student safety and public records.
  • Mandatory class size bargaining divides House Education Committee
    Friday, February 24, 2017
    House Bill 2651 would make class size a mandatory subject of bargaining in contract negotiations between school districts and teachers.
  • State revenue forecast delivers good news but not too good
    Friday, February 24, 2017
    The Oregon revenue forecast is up almost $200 million from the December forecast.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 24, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, February 17, 2017
    Overview of bills relating to the Oregon Promise Program, student safety, Educator Advancement Council, and Early Indicator and Intervention System.
  • Equity in education includes culturally relevant content, advocates for SB 204 say
    Friday, February 17, 2017
    Senate Bill 204 aims to tackle Oregon’s persistent student achievement gap.
  • Week of hearings spotlight depth of PERS problems
    Friday, February 17, 2017
    The Public Employees Retirement System has a growing liability that is affecting the ability of cities, counties and school districts to provide services. PERS payments are dollars that schools will not get to spend in the classrooms.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 17, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening the week of Feb. 17-25 that may affect education issues.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, February 10, 2017
    Overview of Senate Bills 182 and 183
  • Public records bill tries to ease some burden on school districts
    Friday, February 10, 2017
    The attorney general’s task force looking at Oregon’s public records laws was charged with examining four issues: timelines, fees, exemptions and a review process.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, February 10, 2017
    List of scheduled legislative hearings and work sessions for the week of Feb. 13.
  • Last chance (well, not really) to introduce bills
    Friday, February 10, 2017
    Until Feb. 28 legislators can introduce an unlimited number of bills. After the 28th legislators are limited to five “priority” bills.
  • School board members deliver Oregon message to Congress
    Friday, February 3, 2017
    Members of the Oregon School Boards Association board of directors and legislative policy committee visited Washington, D.C.,to meet with Oregon’s congressional delegation as part of the National School Boards Association's 2017 Advocacy Institute.
  • Budget town halls need to hear voices for education spending
    Friday, February 3, 2017
    The Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee has announced dates and locations for town hall meetings, creating an opportunity for school board members statewide to tell legislators that they need to fully fund K-12 education in Oregon.
  • The Week Ahead
    Monday, February 6, 2017
    List of scheduled legislative hearings and work sessions for the week of Feb. 6.
  • Advocacy Institute brings Oregon perspective to D.C.
    Friday, January 27, 2017
    School board members are heading to Washington, D.C., this weekend to tell the Oregon story.
  • OSBA team hits the road to attend legislative receptions statewide
    Friday, January 27, 2017
    Legislative receptions give parents, educators and other members of the community a chance to discuss issues with local legislators in a relaxed and informal setting.
  • Find out what your legislators are doing
    Friday, January 27, 2017
    Did you know that you can use the Legislature’s e-subscribe notifications to receive email notifications from your local legislators?
  • K-12 education faces cuts in legislative budget framework
    Friday, January 20, 2017
    Jan. 19 the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means delivered a preview of the anticipated budget for the upcoming session.
  • Oregon Senate and House of Representatives rosters
    Friday, January 20, 2017
    Find your legislator's contact information.
  • Add your voice to call for better education; we’ll help you
    Friday, January 20, 2017
    This session OSBA legislative services will need your help advocating for state funding of education that avoids budget cuts and puts students and districts first.
  • A quick look ahead
    Friday, January 13, 2017
    Important legislative dates to remember
  • OSBA Legislative Services enters new session with new team
    Friday, January 13, 2017
    The retirement of Betsy Miller-Jones, OSBA's former executive director, has also brought changes to the Legislative Services Team.
  • Three more school board members add education voices to Legislature
    Friday, January 13, 2017
    This election cycle brought three more current school board members to the legislative ranks: Janeen Sollman, Diego Hernandez and David Brock Smith.
  • Bill Briefs
    Friday, June 2, 2017
    Updates on bills relating to the Healthy and Safe Schools Plan and “lunch shaming”
  • Bills affecting bus drivers and drones beat legislative deadline
    Friday, June 2, 2017
    HB 2597 would expand the 2007 distracted driving law; HB 3047 would provide some flexibility for drone users such as schools and law enforcement.
  • Subcommittee reshuffled to move bill calling for $8.2 billion State School Fund
    Friday, June 2, 2017
    The amended Senate Bill 5517 will now move to the full Ways and Means Committee.
  • The Week Ahead
    Friday, June 2, 2017
    Be informed about what's happening next week that may affect education issues.

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