Stand for Children believes Oregon schools are underfunded. Our - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

 Stand for Children believes Oregon schools are underfunded. Our large class sizes and short school year are unacceptable. We will strategically fight to increase and stabilize state and local funding. We will partner across the political spectrum to find effective ways to invest in our schools. We will do the tough work of ensuring every dollar is spent wisely and in the best interest of children.

 Economists track the percentage of peoples’ paychecks that go to taxes.  These taxes pay for state services – primarily schools, public safety, and human services.  Oregonians have historically spent 5% of their paychecks on state taxes, which is essentially unchanged over the past 30 years.

120% 115% 110% Washington 105% 100% Oregon 95% 90% 85% 80% 1977 1980 1990 2000 2007 Revenue per capita OR v WA and US average

 Retirement costs are increasing faster than inflation, and the stock market crash of 2008 made our PERS shortfall even worse.*  Health care costs are increasing faster than inflation for everyone, including school employees. *Oregon PERS, Report of the Portland City Club

 Oregon is heavily reliant on the income tax – in fact, we’re the most reliant on one source of taxes than any other state.  Income Taxes are the most “volatile” tax – collections vary greatly depending on the economy.  Oregon’s “Kicker” law requires unanticipated money to go back to taxpayers – making us unable to save money for a “rainy day.”

NAEP 4th Grade Reading Performance Colorado National Percentage of students reading at the NAEP's Basic Level or Above Washington Oregon 58% 60% 62% 64% 66% 68% 70% 72% Oregon spends $9,611/student Washington spends $9,688 National average is $10,591 Colorado spends $8,782 2009-10 spending, Federal Education Budget Project