Today's News: April 8, 2011

It's Friday!

In Washington State--which is facing budget cuts to schools, senior care, and public safety that are roughly equal to what Oregon is facing--about 400 activists have taken to the capitol to protest the cuts over the last three days. Yesterday, 17 activists were arrested. Today, thousands are expected at a rally outside the capitol building. 

Back in Oregon, House Republicans continue to take ownership of cuts to schools and critical services, with Republican leader Rep. Kevin Cameron singing the praises of the proposed budget--which will lead to teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, massive cuts to basic care for thousands of seniors and people with disabilities, and cuts to youth correctional facilities.

In Eugene, for example, cuts for the year mean the closing of four elementary schools and increasing the student-to-teacher ratio by four students, among other setbacks.

Reps. Matt Wingard and Julie Parrish spent yesterday morning complaining that teachers have blocked their education agenda: boosting corporate charter schools and letting uncertified people teach in classrooms. One question: Why don't news reports mention that Wingard is (or at least was until very recently) a paid consultant for charter schools?

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