My Email to Betsy and Brad

This is the text of the email that I just sent to my Oregon state representative, Brad Witt, and state senator, Betsy Johnson:

Betsy and Brad:

The 2012 final report of the Quality Education Commission states that $8.755 billion should be appropriated to fund Oregon K-12 public education in order for the QEM model to be fully funded for the 2013-15 biennium. It gives a figure of $6.315 billion as the minimum amount to avoid a "loss" of funding from the current level. The lower figure is absolutely inadequate if Oregon K-12 education is to meet the minimal needs of Oregon students and it seems impossible that the higher figure is attainable at this time.

The QEM Commission proposes a third figure that will begin to close the gap between the minimum and the required funding levels: $6.895 billion. I encourage you both to use this figure as the minimum level that you will accept as you work to adopt a state budget this year.

I understand that his will require sacrifices in other programs, including funding of PERS. As a public school teacher and future recipient of PERS benefits, I am willing to accept a possible reduction in those benefits as other changes such as the closing of some tax loopholes are made as well.

 

Thank you for your consideration of my views.

An article in The Sunday Oregonian indicates that there is the possibility of beginning to stabilize K-12 education in Oregon. Please contact your Oregon state representative and state senator to fund Oregon K-12 public education at a minimum of $6.895 billion for the 2013-15 biennium.