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

• f 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.

Revenue per capita OR v WA and US average

80% 85% 90% 95% 100% 105% 110% 115% 120% 1977 1980 1990 2000 2007 Washington Oregon

 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

• f 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.”

58% 60% 62% 64% 66% 68% 70% 72% Oregon Washington National Colorado

NAEP 4th Grade Reading Performance

Percentage of students reading at the NAEP's Basic Level or Above

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