SB 5516
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the State School Fund.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon Department of Administrative Services)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
73%
Oppose
27%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 5516 appropriates $9,850,229,757 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the State School Fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. The bill also establishes maximum spending limits for lottery moneys, fees, and other revenues allocated to the State School Fund, and directs transfers to other accounts, including the Educator Advancement Fund and the Special Education Account. An emergency declaration allows the bill to take effect immediately.
Key provisions
- Allocates $9,850,229,757 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the State School Fund.
- Establishes a maximum spending limit of $625,259,443 for expenses paid with lottery moneys.
- Establishes a maximum spending limit of $44,328,098 for expenses paid with fees and other revenues.
- Establishes a maximum spending limit of $839,625,392 for expenses paid with fees and other revenues from the Fund for Student Success.
- Authorizes the Department of Education to spend up to $968,000 from the State School Fund for a specific contract.
- Authorizes the Department of Education to spend up to $1,600,000 from the State School Fund for Oregon Digital Learning.
- Transfers $30,807,937 from the State School Fund to the Educator Advancement Fund.
- Transfers $44,827,044 from the State School Fund to the Special Education Account.
Who is affected
- Oregon Department of Education
- School Districts
- Education Service Districts
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of increased funding for Oregon's public schools emphasize the need to provide a strong foundation for children's growth and development, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with special needs. They argue that inadequate funding has negative impacts on student education, including reduced staff and class sizes, which can hinder academic performance and social skills development. Advocates believe that investing in education is crucial for Oregon's future, citing its potential to reduce crime, increase property values, and promote economic growth. Many the importance of providing a well-rounded education, supporting teachers with living wages, and prioritizing school funding over other competing interests. They also highlight the need for stable, adequate funding to meet student needs, particularly in light of current crises such as drug addiction and homelessness. Overall, supporters believe that increasing funding for public schools is essential for ensuring Oregon's children receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the proposed budget argue that it fails to adequately fund Oregon's public education system, exacerbating existing issues with inadequate funding and leading to further declines in student test scores. They emphasize the state's low per-student funding ranking compared to other states, citing a $500 million cut in funding since 2023-25, which has resulted in reduced services and increased class sizes. Many concern that the proposed budget maintains an inadequate status quo, failing to invest in schools and instead relying on federal funding cuts to make up for shortfalls. They advocate for increased investments in special education services, music, arts, and counseling programs, as well as a $50 million budget increase to prevent staff cuts at underfunded schools.