Oregon Senate Votes to Put More Money in the Classroom

Pooling of insurance for school employees will mean lower class sizes, restored programs.

Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Senate today voted to pass Senate Bill 426, legislation that will establish pooling of insurance benefits for school employees, resulting in cost savings that will go directly into the classroom. The bill is a part of the Senate Democratic Agenda and is a major step in the effort to create more accountability in education funding.

“Everyone knows that when it comes to buying benefits for employees, pooling works,” said Senator Ryan Deckert (D-Beaverton). “This bill implements a common-sense solution to buying health care benefits that will save school districts money.”

Senate Bill 426 establishes the Oregon Educators Benefits Board and allow for the pooling of purchasing power of school districts from around the state when those districts are negotiating health care benefits for employees. This increased purchasing power will create savings that can be sent to the classroom to benefit students.

“The result of this bill will be lower class sizes, updated textbooks and restored programs,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene). “Pooling of resources to get a better deal makes sense for our classrooms.”

“The pooling approach to buying health care benefits is the industry standard in the private sector,” added Deckert. “The State of Oregon should follow this smart financial policy.”

A spokesperson for Senate Democrats says creating insurance pooling power for education is part of their commitment to build strong schools for Oregon’s children.

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This approach is part of concept for Budgeting for Outcomes discussed in "The Price of Government" study. See Op Ed and Comments.

well I sure hope if they "save money" that it doesn't end up in a general fund instead of helping the kids, as is implied directly. We've been boondoggled before, will they see this one through?

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