Garrett, Devlin Joined by School Advocates in Local Option Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2011 Garrett Contact: Nick Fogg (503-986-1438) Devlin Contact: Jenn Baker (503-986-1719)

HB 3455 would increase statutory limits on local option

SALEM – The House Education Committee yesterday heard testimony on HB 3455, which would benefit Lake Oswego and other communities by raising the current statutory limits on local option property taxes levied to fund education. Rep. Chris Garrett (D-Lake Oswego), and Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), the bill’s chief sponsors, were joined by community leaders at the Salem hearing.

“This bill would allow local school districts the option—nothing more—of asking their residents for greater support of their schools,” Garrett told committee members. “This bill is about local control, about giving communities more ability to shape their own destiny in the face of declining state investment in education.”

For the 2009 school year, K-12 education in Oregon received only 94% of the money it received in 1990, the year Measure 5 passed. Preliminary data indicates that this number declined to 86% for the current school year, and this percentage is projected to drop further in 2011-12 because of the state budget shortfall.

“I believe the local option is a valuable tool for communities to use when making funding decisions. These are very challenging times, but looking out for our kids remains a priority to all of us. This bill helps address some of those challenges,” said Devlin.

Lake Oswego City Councilor Donna Jordan attended the hearing to express the City’s support of the legislation. Also testifying in support were Dana Hepper and Courtney Clemens on behalf of the Lake Oswego chapter of Stand for Children.

“We support HB 3455 because it allows local communities to invest more in education,” said Ms. Hepper, Advocacy Director of Stand for Children. “Schools face devastating cuts. This bill is one step to restore lost programs.”

The Legislature enacted a local option statute in the late 1990s, allowing communities limited flexibility to raise additional property tax dollars to supplement their state formula allocation. The statute has been amended several times. HB 3455 would raise current limits from 20% of the State School Fund allocation to 25%, and from $1,000 per ADMw to $1,250.

Devlin represents Senate District 19, which includes West Linn, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and portions of Southwest Portland.

Garrett represents House District 38, which encompasses Lake Oswego and portions of Southwest Portland.