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HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Current Oregon law means prosperity only for some.
Our children pay the price.
Why are Oregon schools especially strapped?
In the 1990s, Oregon took away local school funding—and never replaced it. Ballot Measures 5 (1990) and 50 (1997) capped property taxes. Before then, local property taxes mostly paid for neighborhood schools. Ever since, school funding has come primarily from the state’s “general fund", whereas most other states (including Washington) still use local taxes to help fund schools.
Oregon’s corporate and personal income tax rates are outdated and pinned to federal rates. This leaves money on the table and punishes people paid less. Oregon does not adequately tax the ultra-wealthy. Those benefitting most from our economy have lower tax rates here than in Washington, California, and Hawai’i. Federal tax laws push more wealth to the top, making the problem worse. People who pay the least end up contributing the highest share of their income in taxes. Oregon needs a tax code built for Oregonians (not DC lobbyists and special interests).
Oregon’s “Kicker” law requires the state to refund large budget surpluses to taxpayers. The biggest checks go to the wealthiest Oregonians, leaving most families behind and taking tax money away from important programs, such as education! These kicker rebates aren't enough for most to help make up the difference in services lost. They don't pay for two years of private school when public schools cannot function. No other state has such an extreme kicker. When the economy is strong, Oregon should invest in teachers, school buildings, and early childhood education among other priorities.
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Some legislators are asking for more accountability as the answer to underperforming schools. Oregon schools need accountability AND funding. And we know this because we see our schools everyday. We know that stricter reporting won’t reduce a kindergarten class size of 30. It won’t air-condition an 90-degree classroom in September. Funding can't so easily be looked over. ​ We've been fighting the same fight for decades. It's time to modernize.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Take action!
Here's where you come in...
Activate your school communities! Send consistent, persuasive messages to Oregon state lawmakers in support of fully funding public schools. Submit testimony when the occasion arises, and to come together as a community for lobby days and community learning opportunities. Below you will find 2026 Legislative Opportunities.
Oregon’s outdated tax laws make prosperity possible only a select few. Change is needed, especially as cash from the federal government starts to disappear. State legislators can make prosperity possible for all by funding the services that support communities. Our schools are an essential part of this!​
Oregon State Legislators can take tangible steps this session to strengthen school funding beginning in 2026:
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No further cuts to education! Oregon's schools have seen drastic cuts to funding year after year, and a return to pre-cut budgets have never transpired. When we see these cuts they are proving not only to be permanent, but increasing. Urge state lawmakers to utilize the $1.25 billion+ Education Stability Fund to address severe budget shortfalls, in order to prevent further cuts to education. Now is the emergency!
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Support on HB 4125 (YES): The Revenue Forecast Modernization Act. Reforming the “Kicker” tax rebate would create an accurate revenue process which allows for a proper budgeting process for the state, freeing up money for the important programs Oregonians deserve, including education! This bill reinforces the original spirit of the law. Oregon is currently returning tax money that primarily benefits the wealthy, leaving the majority of Oregonians behind, and with fewer essential programs. When a kicker is activated as our programs are underfunded, there is something very wrong.
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Support SB 1507 (YES): De-couple Oregon from Federal Tax Loopholes. Under the policy known as “rolling reconnect,” Oregon mirrors federal tax law, including loopholes like FDII and GILTI that benefit corporations and wreak havoc in the very programs and services that Oregonians depend on. We have the opportunity for tangible revenue reform that our state needs given how federal tax cuts are affecting our school, healthcare and so much more. De-coupling is the perfect place to start the revenue reform movement.​​
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Support on SB 1581 (YES): School Meals for All would make Oregon the 10th state to offer free school meals for all students. Free lunch and breakfast supports families and students, reduces stigma and helps children learn. It provides financial stability to school districts and the Oregon farmers supplying them. Tell your lawmaker to vote yes on this critical service for our students across the state!
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Ways to Activate your School Community
Empower your school community to speak up. You know your community best, so work with your fellow volunteers to figure out what actions make the most sense.
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Host a lawmaker at your school to ask them what they are doing to protect public education this upcoming legislative session:
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Invite them to a PTA meeting
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Host a funding forum and invite major stakeholders - email hello@cppsportland.org for support ​
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Letter-writing campaign:
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​Ask your school community to use the Winter 2026 School Funding Message Template to send a message to their lawmaker and explain why participation matters
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Put a call to action in your newsletters, websites, and social channels. Your personal network is a great place to start!
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Host an in-person writing session: ​
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Reserve a space in your school (apply for a Civic Use of Buildings Permit,​ or CUB)
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Provide writing materials (pens, paper, envelopes, postcards)
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Provide translation services, food, childcare and other elements to make the work session accessible
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Invite families to create postcards:
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Have kids draw pictures on blank postcards with a note from them or parents on back
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Keep the message simple: "Fully fund our schools!" "Support Our Public Schools!" “I love my public school and teacher!” ​​​
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When parents, caregivers, and community members understand the system, build relationships together, and are invited to act, they become unstoppable forces for change.Through education, events, and opportunities to act, Community + Parents for Public Schools builds the power to change systems, culture, and our collective future.