SB 749 students to make budget decisions

03/24/2025
SB 749 VOTE: NO
NEEDS ACTION
Work Session 03/31/2025 8:00am HR B
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB749
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Committees/SED/Overview

Creates a pilot program for students to be involved in the making of a school district budget. Directs the Department of Education to establish and administer a pilot program that provides for participatory budgeting by students in the preparation of a school district budget. Sunsets on January 2, 2029. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Will be administered by the Department of Education under ORS 328.542.

When adopting rules, the board shall consult with a nonprofit organization with experience in implementing participatory budgeting. Is this intended to be a legal arm for students to get their way?

General Fund, the amount of $500,000, which may be expended for the pilot program established under section 1 of this 2025 Act. It isn’t clear whether this is the grant funds that the students will use as part of the budgeting process or whether students will have authority to cut into the actual school budget.

Concerns are just how much of the School budget is a portion? Are they limited to grant funds? What nonprofit organization has experience in implementing participatory budgeting? Nonprofits have become agencies of government with no or little restraints and accountability.

SUBMIT TESTIMONY HERE, by 3/26 by 8am

EMAIL COMMITTEE

Sen.LewFrederick@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.SuzanneWeber@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.SaraGelser@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.NoahRobinson@OregonLegislature.gov
Sen.JaneenSollman@OregonLegislature.gov

EMAIL LEGISLATORS

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