#United States #Oregon #Preschool for All #Children's Funding Project #Oregon State Legislature

Recent Threats Against Preschool for All in Oregon

As the 2025 session of the Oregon State Legislature nears its conclusion, a significant threat to the Preschool for All initiative has emerged. The Children's Funding Project, an organization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to education for children, has expressed relief over the failure of a recent legislative push aimed at dismantling this program. However, concerns about ongoing antidemocratic efforts remain.

Established in November 2020, the Preschool for All program was approved by Multnomah County voters with an overwhelming majority, achieving a remarkable 64% support. The initiative was designed to provide universal pre-kindergarten education funded by a tax increase specifically targeting wealthy individuals. Once fully implemented, this program is expected to offer high-quality early education and childcare services to approximately 11,000 children annually.

Despite its initial success, the program faced a significant threat when state senators proposed an amendment during the final week of the legislative session to impose devastating changes on Preschool for All, effectively eliminating its funding structure. This would have meant depriving countless families of access to affordable education over the coming decade.

Fortunately, the community rallied together, and over 50,000 letters expressing support for Preschool for All flooded the state legislature. The pressure led to a reversal of the proposed amendment, safeguarding the program for now. However, advocates are wary as this incident underscores a troubling trend wherein elected officials challenge the clear will of voters.

In a particularly disheartening response, Governor Tina Kotek echoed criticisms of the program that appeared based on misinformation, distorting facts surrounding its funding and governance. Advocates, including Elizabeth Gaines, CEO of the Children's Funding Project, assert that this situation transcends mere policy debate. They view these actions as dangerous precedents threatening the very fabric of democracy.

This ongoing struggle in Oregon is mirrored in other regions, such as Platte County, Missouri, where residents find themselves at odds with local officials who are refusing to implement a previously approved sales tax for children's mental health services. While the political contexts may differ, both scenarios highlight a growing trend of officials disregarding voters' voices.

The implications of undermining voter-approved programs are severe. If these initiatives can be dismantled in secret and without public consent, it opens doors to more severe violations of trust between the electorate and those in power. Recognizing this pattern, the Children's Funding Project advocates for safeguarding the will of voters, particularly regarding programs that provide essential services to families and children.

Oregon’s heavy involvement in this troubling trend has prompted leaders close to the matter to take action. The Children's Funding Project passionately calls for community engagement and advocacy to ensure that Preschool for All remains intact, urging citizens to voice their support and protect this critical initiative.

In pursuit of preserving direct democracy, community leaders encourage the public to advocate for the program, reminding them that their voices matter and that they must insist on accountability from their elected officials. Those interested in learning more or showing support can join the initiative at Friends of Preschool for All.

Public education and equitable access to learning opportunities for all children must not just be aspirational; they must be defended vigorously. The Children's Funding Project pledges to continue its fight for programs like Preschool for All and to remain a watchdog for the interests of children and families across Oregon and beyond.

For more detailed information, visit the Children's Funding Project website at childrensfundingproject.org, where they provide ongoing updates and opportunities to engage in civic action.