PORTLAND, Ore. — According to The Oregonian, Oregon Senate Republicans have issued a list of demands to Senate Democrats over the $2 billion tax package for education.
Wednesday marks the second day that Senate Republicans have not been present in large numbers at the Capitol.
Their plan is to return House Bill 3427, which establishes funds for student success, back to the committee to be reworked.
Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger told reporters Monday, Republicans have been left out of the school funding conversation and that they are opposed to the proposed half a percent tax on businesses with sales over $1 million. The proposed tax would fund school programs trying to boost student performance and decrease class sizes.
“Republicans have taken this dramatic stance because this is the only tool we have being in the super minority to draw attention to the injustices of this type of legislation,” he said.
In addition to sending House Bill 3427 back to the committee, Republicans have listed several high profile bills that they would like the Democrats to kill, according to The Oregonian.
KGW has reached out to the staff in the Senate Minority Office and they have neither confirmed nor denied creating a list of demands.
As the stalemate continues in the Capitol, thousands of educators and community members are rallying in cities around the state in support of more funding for education.
Stopping the crisis: Oregon teachers, parents consider solutions to stop classroom outbursts aired Wednesday, May 8 on KGW and KGW.com.
KGW has interviewed dozens of teachers and school administrators about an increase in verbal, physical and sometimes violent disruptions in Oregon and Southwest Washington classrooms. We’ve received emails from hundreds of additional teachers who tell similar stories. Many teachers say they don’t have the proper training, support or resources to deal with this disruptive behavior. The teachers don’t blame the kids, pointing out that many students have suffered trauma in their lives; however, they say the current law makes it difficult to handle these incidents effectively. In many cases, they are forced to clear all other students out of a classroom until a disruptive student can calm down. We will continue to tell these stories and push for answers from lawmakers and school officials.
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