SALEM, Ore. — Gov. John Kitzhaber is proposing a budget that would increase funding for education with a focus on children before they reach third grade.
The Democratic governor unveiled his $18.6 billion two-year state budget proposal on Monday. His spending plan would be an increase of about 11 percent over the current budget.
Kitzhaber says his budget would invest heavily in ensuring that children can read by third grade to reduce later dropout rates. He acknowledges that his higher education proposal is too small and he hopes lawmakers can find additional money for universities.
He does not propose a tax increase.
Lawmakers are free to change or ignore Kitzhaber’s recommendations.
The final budget must be approved by the Legislature and signed by Kitzhaber before July 1.
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