Parents, preschool teachers, and advocates gathered in front of Escuela Viva in Southeast Portland on Wednesday morning to express their support for Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program.
The group urged Governor Tina Kotek to cease threats to the county’s universal preschool initiative, which they believe has overwhelming public support.
With 64% voter approval in 2020, Preschool for All is a cherished program that many in the community argue is vital for families in the area.
Dr. Bahia Overton, executive director of Black Parent Initiative, echoed sentiments voiced at the press conference, urging the governor to respect the will of Multnomah County voters.
“We ask that you honor the dreams, the vision of Multnomah County voters, and you do not mess with Preschool for All,” she stated.
The rally was organized following a tumultuous week for the Preschool for All program, which faced an eleventh-hour amendment to Senate Bill 106.
This amendment sought to restrict Multnomah County’s ability to use funds raised from income taxes for preschool programs that do not meet specified state standards.
Concerns about the tax system driving high-income earners away from Multnomah County have reportedly influenced the governor’s position, as expressed in a recent letter to county Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.
County officials have challenged Kotek’s assertion, indicating an increase in taxpayers participating in the Preschool for All tax since 2021.
However, data reflected a decline in the number of filers earning above $500,000 since 2021, suggesting a shift in the tax revenue structure.
This particular income bracket, while small in number, has historically contributed a significant portion of the Preschool for All program’s funding.
Sen. Mark Meek (D-Gladstone), chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue, stated that the controversial bill would not be advanced this year, affirming that community input was acknowledged.
“The bill is not moving this year,” Meek confirmed. “I am thankful the chair and the commissioners came to testify. I was trying to convey the concerns from this body and from the governor about duplication of services and making sure that money is used efficiently.”
Despite this news, advocates remain vigilant. A petition initiated by the Working Families Party, along with seven other organizations, calls on the Multnomah County Commission to safeguard Preschool for All.
Although the petition’s signature count has not been made public, Commissioner Meghan Moyer emphasized the serious nature of the threats to the program.
“I think the threat was very, very real until the community poured outcry,” Moyer remarked during the press conference.
She continued, stressing that the conversation in Oregon should shift toward how the state can replicate Multnomah County’s successes rather than undermine them.
Personal testimonials from parents highlighted the profound impact of Preschool for All on their families.
Lydia Gray-Hollifield, one of the parents present, shared her experience, stating, “As a parent, you never want to have to choose between paying your preschool bill or paying your rent.”
Support from preschool providers was also evident at the press conference.
Laralei Kane, multisite director of Escuela Viva, spoke passionately about the benefits the program has brought, including fair wages for more than 50 employees across four locations.
Through the Preschool for All program, Kane declared, lessons have been learned, and access to quality childcare has been expanded, benefiting working families throughout Multnomah County.
“Preschool for All helps independent providers like ours establish and grow childcare centers, which are small businesses that are the backbone of our economy,” Kane said.
Economist Mary King also presented her expert perspective at the event, disputing claims that state-funded programs adequately replace the unique offerings of Preschool for All.
King pointed out that current state programs are part-time and available only to low-income families, rendering them impractical for the wider population of working families.
She suggested that the decline in high earners in the county is attributed to various factors unrelated to the Preschool for All tax.
Moreover, King’s analysis emphasized the importance of maintaining the program’s robust reserves, recently reported at $485 million, to ensure its longevity and success.
“Preschool for All should have a big reserve,” she stated. “This program requires significant investments in workforce and facilities. We do not have this system already.”
Moyer concurred with King, affirming that the surplus indicates a healthy program capable of attracting skilled individuals to the workforce, thereby contributing to Multnomah County’s economy.
“I find it ironic because the county has been heavily criticized for spending every dollar in reserve for homeless services when we had a reserve,” she reflected. “And then we’re getting that exact same criticism again, where we took a different approach to try to make sure that we have a program that, when we hit full enrollment, can keep that promise to every family in Multnomah County.”
The press conference concluded with a resolute call to action from community members and leaders alike, seeking to protect and enhance the Preschool for All program in the face of ongoing challenges.
image source from：wweek
