Hello Duniway!

Grassroots public education advocacy is alive and well in Oregon.  This legislative session, lawmakers heard loud and clear from hundreds of families, including strong Duniway's voices!  THANK YOU for every postcard (close to 750 mailed ), email, phone call and meeting with our state leaders!  Your engagement truly makes a difference for Oregon's children.  

These short sessions (just 35 days) are whirlwinds - 300 bills were introduced, approximately 100 passed.  We saw legislative wins that directly and indirectly impact public education and...we still have a lot of good work to do. 

Here are the highlights!

What Passed...

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (HB4022) was codified statewide - free books from birth - 5
Safeguarding Students and Families (HB4079) with timely and standardized communication when ICE activity occurs on nearby public campuses across Oregon
Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (HB4160) require schools to plan for cardiac emergencies, including accessible AEDs
Chronic Absenteeism Data (HB4154) requires the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to publish attendance data quarterly versus annually  
Homeless Student Education Protections (HB4149) incorporates McKinney-Vento protections by expanding student stability and clarifying school district obligations to removing barriers to accessing education 
Federal tax disconnect from Oregon's tax code (SB1507) protects Oregon from federal tax fluctuations and restores Oregon's ability to make tax decisions in the best interest of Oregonians 
Lawmakers protected the State School Fund and Student Success Act investments from anticipated mid-biennium cuts
ODOT short-term transportation plan (SB1599) bridges a $297 million transportation budget shortfall.  This plan diverts dollars away from some maintenance projects and programs - including $17 million taken from Safe Routes to School (SRTS).  SRTS supports safe transit programs for kids, including Duniway's Bike Bus and the Walk+Roll program.  

What didn't...

Education Stability Fund was not used by lawmakers to bridge school district budget shortfalls in anticipation of greater declines in education budgets in the next biennium.  PPS's budget deficit stopgaps involve multi-grade classrooms in some schools, 4 proposed furlough days and eliminating some student facing supports.  Strategic planning for potentially 10 school closures for 2027 are in process.
School Meals for All (SB1581) no reductions to the school meals program, but no further additions to support children and families.
Revenue Forecast Modernization Act (HB4125) modernizes the economic criteria that triggers a Kicker event for retention of much needed tax dollars for public education, transportation, wildfire protections and other social services.  


Want to hear more about the 2026 legislative session and ask our SE government leaders questions about impacts to our children, schools and community? 
Representative Rob Nosse (District 42), Representative Mark Gamba (HD 41) and Senator Kathleen Taylor (SD 21) will wrap the session at an evening Town Hall (see attached).  Session moderation by Mayor Keith Wilson.

WHEN:    Thursday, April 9th (5:30 - 7 pm)
WHERE:  Sellwood SMILE Station (8210 SE 13th Avenue) 

RSVP here!


January 2027 is the start of the next long legislative session and family advocates are gearing up!  Interested in education advocacy?  Reach out to Margaret Henry or Tracy Gluckman to join the movement! 

In solidarity for our children and our public schools,

Your Duniway Advocacy Committee