PORTLAND, Ore. — More than 60 people, clad in red, gathered at the Portland Community College Cascade campus to protest the proposed budget cuts in Oregon education.
Most of the protesters were members of the Oregon Education Association, some were parents with their children, teachers, counselors -- all people invested in the proposed budget cuts.
Speakers with OEA took to the mic during the rally to speak largely on three points outlined in a flyer:
- $4 billion in new education funding, no less.
- Progressive and equitable taxation. Tax the rich, not the rest.
- Improve student living conditions. Healthcare for all. Free college tuition. An Oregon Green New Deal.
RELATED: Classrooms in Crisis: Verbal, physical, sometimes violent outbursts plaguing Oregon classrooms
The rally preceded a Ways and Means Committee meeting on the campus where members of the community spoke to request funding for various issues from education to fending against invasive bug species.
During the committee meeting, many speakers spoke of the issues in public education funding in Oregon over the last three decades. Many speakers cited the passing of Measure 5 in 1990 as the beginning of issues in funding of public education.
Many also pointed out that wrap-around care for students, that is funding programs that help low-income students and students who have experienced trauma, is needed in order to support them better from home so they can achieve success at school.
Educators, students, and interested parties spoke before the committee to request additional funds for public education at all levels, from elementary school to college.
During the meeting, a Parkrose spokesperson said students and educators have missed 30 days of education and pay due to the budget cuts this year. The proposed budget cuts are even steeper than Pakrose faced this year.
The Oregon Education Association is planning a walk-out on May 8. A spokesperson with OEA said it was “unfortunate” that withholding labor may be the only way to get legislators to listen, however he said the OEA has seen how the tactic was successful for teachers in other states.
Oregon Education Association rallying against the proposed education budget cuts
Issues also discussed at the meeting were concerns over House Bill 3063, which would mandate all students receive vaccinations unless they have a medical exemption, funding for resources for immigrants, mental health programs, and drug rehab programs.
Not every person was able to testify, so an email was provided to allow those to email the Ways and Means Committee: waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov
KGW has interviewed dozens of teachers and school administrators about an increase in verbal, physical and sometimes violent disruptions in Oregon and Southwest Washington classrooms. We’ve received emails from hundreds of additional teachers who tell similar stories. Many teachers say they don’t have the proper training, support or resources to deal with this disruptive behavior. The teachers don’t blame the kids, pointing out that many students have suffered trauma in their lives; however, they say the current law makes it difficult to handle these incidents effectively. In many cases they are forced to clear all other students out of a classroom until a disruptive student can calm down. We will continue to tell these stories and push for solutions from lawmakers and school officials.
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