If you have not heard, Director of Oregon Department of Education Colt Gill released an announcement Tuesday, April 18th that said, "it doesn’t appear there is the needed legislative support to give you that certainty and the time you need to plan summer programming." While both Director Gill and Governor Kotek have sent letters to the Oregon Legislative leadership in the last several weeks, there has been no movement or indication of action.
The final answer on summer learning funding will come from our state legislators. However, it appears that Summer Learning may not be a priority in the budgeting process, led by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Whether or not your legislators is on this committee, this is the time to share your voice with Oregon's decision makers.
Join the Effort
As partners throughout Oregon who serve some of our most underserved youth, we know that far too many of Oregon’s youth struggle with learning loss, social isolation, and mental health challenges. However, our legislators do not necessarily see that reality every day in their work. You can help share that reality in a variety of ways:
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Contact Your Legislators with a call or email- Find Your Legislators HERE
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Attend one of Ways & Means Public Hearings wearing yellow to share the importance of keeping the lights of opportunity ON for Oregon youth:
- Roseburg on April 21st
- Ontario on April 28th
- Salem on May 3rd
- Share an op-ed with your local media to elevate the importance throughout your community. Contact bethany.thramer@oregonask.org if you'd like help writing or submitting something
- Recruit families to share their experience with your legislators
Share the Message
Make sure to share with your community, partners, and especially with decision makers:
- Keep your message short
- Convey the impact on youth and families if there is no summer funding for 2023
- Share lived experiences which may be unknown to legislators, access to summer opportunities is not equal for all
Act Now
If we wish to see fair access to opportunity, it is not too late for community organizations to meet Oregon's need. Oregon Legislators must act now to provided dedicated funding to support community-based summer experiences.
For decades, summer camps and enrichment opportunities have been accessible for those with means: high-income families spend nearly $8,000 more per year on education & enrichment than low-income families, creating continued inequity for youth and families. Oregon legislators must prioritize funds to support THIS SUMMER if we want to make any impact on the well-being of under-resourced youth and financial stability of Oregon families.
