Kitzhaber 2015-17 budget focuses on early education

Gov. John Kitzhaber is proposing a budget that would increase funding for education with a focus on children before they reach third grade.

The Democratic governor unveiled his $18.6 billion two-year state budget proposal on Monday. His spending plan would be an increase of about 11 percent over the current budget.

Kitzhaber says his budget would invest heavily in ensuring that children can read by third grade to reduce later dropout rates. He acknowledges that his higher education proposal is too small and he hopes lawmakers can find additional money for universities.

He does not propose a tax increase.

Lawmakers are free to change or ignore Kitzhaber’s recommendations.

The final budget must be approved by the Legislature and signed by Kitzhaber before July 1.

—

Gov. Kitzhaber news release:

Governor Kitzhaber Releases 2015-17 Opportunity and Investment Balanced Budget

(Salem, OR) —Governor Kitzhaber today released his 2015-17 balanced budget , focused on investing in children and families, creating good jobs, and building statewide prosperity. Over the past two budget cycles, the state has reduced the cost of medical care by focusing on the health of patients, not the procedures preformed; Oregon has eliminated the need to build new prisons by improving the safety of our communities; and taken steps to reduce the long-term costs of our public pension system. These reforms have created an opportunity to invest in our children, communities and rural economies.

Education accounts for 50 percent of the budget ‘s General Fund with $9.4 billion going to schools, community colleges, and universities. This budget fulfills the commitment to free, full-day kindergarten for every Oregon child, a crucial investment in the goal that all children read at grade level by 3rd grade.

” Today , because Oregonian’s worked together, our state is on track to eliminate the state’s structural deficit by 2021,” said Governor Kitzhaber . “And by the 2021-23 biennium, Oregon will have attained—for the first time —a budget surplus. This allows us to use strategic investments to align state resources with the goal that by 2025 every Oregon student has a diploma and the skills they need to find a rewarding job, ensuring that prosperity reaches every corner of the state.”

The 2015-17 budget demonstrates our commitment to reduce poverty; createopportunities for people to transition offpublic assistance into living wage jobs; and supporttheir families.

Governor’s Balanced budget and Budget brief availableat: budget.oregon.gov

—

Statement From House Republican Leader Mike McLane Regarding Governor’s 2015-17 Budget Proposal

Salem, OR – House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Kitzhaber’s proposed 2015-17 budget:

“The Governor’s proposed budget for the next biennium is an ambitious one for the next Legislature to consider, increasing overall spending by nearly $2 billion than the previous budget and based on assumptions of strong economic growth in the future. After the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars lost on the failed Cover Oregon and Columbia River Crossing projects, we approach this current budget proposal with caution and concern – for the considerable increase in spending and for the need for proper oversight and accountability of our state resources that’s been severely lacking in recent years.

“While the increased focus on education is welcome, we need to ensure that our resources are leading to better outcomes for our students and families. Simply throwing more money at the problems is not going to solve them. Targeted, thoughtful funding that gives our teachers more control in the classroom and our students more flexibility in learning will better prepare future generations of Oregonians for college and careers. A strong social safety net to protect our most vulnerable residents is necessary, but we would like to see a budget that focuses more state resources on helping connect Oregonians with stable employment and family-wage jobs. Oregon’s high unemployment rate is no longer acceptable. Strengthening our employment programs and helping Oregonians receive the training and skills they need to find employment should remain a top priority for this legislative session.

“Oregonians deserve a budget that delivers essential services efficiently to all regions of the state – urban and rural alike. There are elements of promise and areas for compromise in this proposed budget, and House Republicans will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of all Oregonians as we work with the Governor and our legislative colleagues in the next session.”

—

House Speaker Tina Kotek comments on release of Governor’s Recommended Budget

SALEM- Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) issued the following statement today in reaction to the release of the Governor’s Recommended Budget:

“I share the Governor’s commitment to expanding opportunity for every Oregonian through investing in our schools and colleges, promoting economic growth across the state, and making sure that basic services meet the needs of every community.

“Now, the Legislature begins the task of examining the details in the budget, ensuring Oregon’s priorities are fully funded, and continuing to build upon the post-recession reinvestments currently underway.”