As we hit the midway point of the 2012 legislature, it’s becoming clearer which bills may have the political support to become law. Proposed legislation must gain committee approval this week in order to move forward this year.

Here are a few quick updates on key education legislation this session:

K-12 School Budget: The K-12 budget seems to be one of the quieter issues this session. The recent Oregonian article on the Ways and Means co-chairs may be part of the reason why. The new revenue forecast was released last week, and it was essentially flat -- down $35 million from the last forecast, but not enough to require additional cuts to schools. 

Kicker Reform (SJR 202): At the public hearing on this legislation on Friday, February 10th, Stand for Children leader Caroline Marnoch discussed the problems with lack of stable funding and the impact on students. She also expressed our tentative support for the proposal, with the understanding that there’s more number-crunching needed to understand the details of how the proposal would impact school funding moving forward. A variety of other organizations expressed support for the proposal, including business and labor organizations. However, some were concerned about whether referring this to voters now was the right time and whether there was adequate voter support to ensure passage. Senate Revenue is not under the same deadlines as other committees, so the bill is still ‘alive’ even though it hasn’t been voted out of committee yet.

Governor’s Education Reform legislation (SB 1581): This legislation passed out of Senate Education on a 4-1 vote on Wednesday, February 8th. Stand testified and submitted a letter in support. The bill now goes to the Ways & Means Education Subcommittee. The Oregonian today predicted likely passage of this legislation. But the Governor’s priority Health Care legislation faced a new hurdle today as part of a largely partisan vote. So, we can’t take anything for granted!

Meanwhile, the important work of designing the Achievement Compacts that SB 1581 creates is beginning. The Oregon Education Investment Board’s Achievement Compact subcommittee is having its first meeting this Friday, 8-10 AM in the DAS West Building, 155 Cottage Street, NE, Salem, OR 97301, Conference Room A. This committee is charged with developing a draft Achievement Compact to present to an advisory committee within the next 3 weeks. It will be critical that the Achievement Compact goals are focused, clear, and highlight the need to close the achievement gap.

Teacher & Principal Evaluation (HB 4102): At the hearing last Thursday, Rep. Johnson presented this legislation to the committee. Then Stand for Children, Chalkboard Project, Oregon School Boards Association, and Oregon Small Schools Association testified in support.  The bill was not voted on last week and is not scheduled for a vote.

Class Size Reporting (HB 4161): At the hearing on this legislation last Thursday, Rep. Komp presented the legislation. OEA testified in support, and Stand submitted a letter in support. This bill was not voted on and isn’t scheduled for a vote.

Tuition Equity – Tuition Equity Legislation hasn’t been introduced as a formal bill this session. However, champions are still working to keep the issue alive. An informational hearing is planned for Tuesday, February 21st, 3-5 PM in the House Higher Education Committee.

Mandatory Reporting (HB 4016): A public hearing was held on Tuesday February 7th in House Education. No vote was taken that day due to inadequate support for the legislation. Now the bill is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, February 14th at 8:00 AM. If the bill passes out of committee, it will go to the House Floor for a vote.

OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST

Governor’s Early Learning Legislation – There was a vote scheduled today on this legislation in the House Human Services Committee.

Autism Treatment Insurance Coverage (SB 1568): No vote was taken at the public hearing scheduled on this legislation. Proponents may work to see if there is another pathway to ensure children with Autism get the proven treatments they need.

There's still lots of action ahead. I'll keep you posted! 

Dana