Below is a press release from Rep. Scott’s, House Republican leader’s office:
Measure Will Cost Oregon School Districts $99 Million More to Provide Employee Benefits
SALEM”” House Republican Leader Wayne Scott (R-Canby) today called on the House to reject SB 426, the bill to create a mandatory health insurance pool for school districts, community colleges and educational service districts. The bill is expected to receive a vote during the Tuesday House Floor session.
Rep. Scott said the bill will increase education costs, take money away from the classroom, and take away local control.
“Our local school boards tell us SB 426 will cost them $99 million in its first year, forcing them to direct taxpayer dollars away from the classroom,” Rep. Scott said. “This bill does not save tax dollars; it only undermines our local elected officials and school administrators.”
House and Senate Republicans have supported amending SB 426 to authorize an independent actuarial study, and to implement the program if true savings were found. On a party-line vote, Democrats rejected this amendment in committee.
Republicans are not alone in opposing SB 426. The bill is also opposed by the Oregon School Boards Association, the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon Community College Association, League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties, Special Districts, Association of Oregon, Oregon Association of Health Underwriters, and the Oregon Association of School Business Officials.
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