|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
When I took the oath of office for my third term as your State Representative for District 9 and I raised my right hand to solemnly swear, I feel the immense responsibility I have to fight for you, your family, your livelihood and all our communities in District 9.
The next 6 months will be extremely difficult. The Democrat Supermajority is intent on raising your taxes to cover for their mismanagement, passing more mandates that restrict your freedoms, and pushing an onslaught of policies that will continue to make Oregon less effective and more expensive.
Rep. Boomer Wright
HB 2044 Directs ODE to make standards for a student to earn credit for a student activity.
Last Legislative Session, Rep. Wright had the pleasure of watching a presentation made by the Crescent Valley Robotics Team. To say that he was impressed is an understatement! At that time, he requested that they reach out to him during the Interim to see how he might be of assistance to them. It was brought to his attention that students participating on Robotics Teams are not always able to access district support in the same way as other programs and offerings such as athletics and music. This deprives these students of opportunity and creates instability in programs that provide significant academic and social benefits to students. Likewise, students who participate in technology- based STEM team activities should be able to earn high school credit for their participation.
House Bill 2044 was created by Rep. Boomer Wright and has been assigned to the House Education Committee. The bill does the following:
- Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the STEM Investment Council, to conduct specified reviews for the purpose of developing and recommending standards by which technology-based competitive student activities may satisfy high school diploma requirements or career and technical education program requirements.
- Ensures that technology-based competitive student activities that qualify for credits also, to the greatest extent practicable, qualify for career and technical education grants awarded by the department, including grants awarded under ORS 327.372 and 344.075.
- Prescribes accessibility by technology-based competitive student activities to school district resources, including school facilities, equipment and transportation, in a manner that is consistent with accessibility by other interscholastic activities.
In the midst of creating this bill, it came to Rep. Wright’s attention that Sen. Gelser-Blouin was also very interested in presenting a similar bill and had had several interactions with the Crescent Valley Robotics Team. Rep. Wright and Sen. Gelser-Blouin decided to join forces and introduce a bicameral and bipartisan legislative concept in support of these dynamic students. Sen. Gelser-Blouin introduced Rep. Wright’s identical bill in the Senate Chamber (SB 894). On February 3, Rep. Wright and Sen. Gelser-Blouin presented testimony in support of SB 894 in the Senate Education Committee. A highlight of the testimony was listening to the presentations of a number of members of the Crescent Valley Robotics Team and their coach. To watch this impressive testimony in support of such a great program, please click the link: Oregon Legislative Video Scroll to 00.45 and watch through 1:13.
By Kathryn Hickok
|
What if all parents could choose schools based on where their children learn best, regardless of neighborhood zoning or income level? With school choice, they can. School choice programs allow education funding to follow students to the schools or learning services their families choose. It puts parents, not bureaucracies, “in the driver’s seat” of education, helping families customize schooling to meet students’ specific needs and circumstances.
Educational choice for K-12 students continued to expand in 2024. With new laws passed, 75 programs are on the books in 33 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. According to EdChoice (a nonprofit that promotes educational choice), more than 22 million students are eligible to participate in a private school choice program—about 40% of all students nationwide. More than one million students currently participate in a private school choice program.
Each state’s approach to school choice empowers parents to choose the best options for their children. States can learn valuable lessons from each other’s policy approaches as they craft programs that suit the needs of their own families and voters.
Children are unique, with different talents, interests, and learning styles. A school that works well for one child doesn’t necessarily meet the needs of another. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if students could go to school where they learn best? Universal school choice is the gift that keeps giving, for today’s students and for the future.
Kathryn Hickok is Executive Vice President at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization, and Director of Cascade’s Children’s Scholarship Fund-Oregon program.
|
Democrat Lawmaker Calls Voters 'Petulant Children' for Opposing Tax Hikes
SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) responded today to comments from a Democratic state representative who suggested that voters are acting like “petulant children” for opposing tax increases needed to fund infrastructure projects.
“Fresh off the campaign trail, one thing was clear—Oregonians, regardless of party, are struggling with the rising cost of living. Instead of addressing these concerns, Democrat lawmakers are signaling their intent to raise taxes, proving just how out of touch they are with working families,” said Leader Bonham. “Oregonians shouldn’t be ridiculed for rejecting tax hikes—especially when the real problem is Democrats’ failure to run government efficiently.”
Oregon’s state budget has more than doubled in the past 10 years, yet we face a cost of living 31% higher than the national average, the worst housing shortage of all 50 states, failing schools, and a homelessness and addiction crisis on our streets.
“Democrats may have a supermajority, but if their plan is to dismiss voters and push through tax hikes, we will oppose them every step of the way,” concluded Bonham.
| 
