Oregon Leaders Urge Support for $250 Million Summer Learning and Child Care Package for Kids

Press Release

Salem, OR--In a hearing of the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education today, Governor Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney, and House Speaker Tina Kotek urged support for their $250 million Summer Learning and Child Care package to help students and children learn, thrive, and have fun this summer. The three leaders first announced the package on March 8.

"Students need academic enrichment opportunities this summer----there is no question. But to help our children get back on track, we also must make sure we are attending to their most basic needs," said Governor Brown. "That is true now, as students return to classrooms for the fourth quarter of the school year, and it is something we must continue to address in the summer months. This summer learning and child care package will set our kids up for success by letting them be kids again, in environments that foster creativity, learning, and joy."

"Our children are being really affected by this pandemic," said Senate President Courtney. "We've introduced these summer programs because it has never been more urgent to invest in our kids. This summer, we want them to go outside. We want them to have fun. We want them to learn. We need to support their mental and physical health. These programs will get our kids back out doing the things they love."

"We have the opportunity this summer to support our children and families in recovering from the educational and emotional losses of the past year living in a global pandemic," said House Speaker Kotek. "We all know stories of the stress this last year has caused for our kids: more emotional distress, more depression, and more anxiety as routines have been upended. The challenges have been greater for low-income families, children with special needs, single-parent households, and communities of color disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Families desperately need this funding package for the summer."

Governor Brown's full prepared remarks are available here .

Senate President Courtney's full prepared remarks are available here .

House Speaker Kotek's full prepared remarks are available here .

The hearing of the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education is available here .

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