The latest version of the State budget keeps education funding the same, asking teachers and administrators to hold the line for another two years. Republican Representative Dennis Richardson says Oregon lawmakers hope to finalize the budget fast enough for school districts to plan. The budget includes big cuts to health care programs. Senator Richard Devlin, a Democrat, says it's necessary to avoid crippling cuts to a variety of other state services.

Oregon Education Association President Gail Rasmussen encourage lawmakers to find new ways to increase funding for schools, including limits to tax breaks for corporations. Under the latest version of the State Schools Budget, the Portland Public School District projects a $29-million shortfall next year.  They say that's the equivalent of 320 teaching positions across the District.