STATEWIDE, Ore.- After months of rallying support across Oregon, the Save Outdoor School for All campaign announced today that it has collected more than 130,000 signatures, far surpassing the 87,213 signature requirement needed to qualify for the November 2016 ballot.
The measure will allow voters to decide whether to dedicate permanent, long-term funding so that all Oregon fifth and sixth graders will be able to benefit from Outdoor School educational programs.
“The amazing support we’ve received shows that Oregonians care about quality and accessibility of education for all kids, not just those whose school districts and parents can afford it. And it shows they understand that investing in our children’s development is economic development. It’s clear Oregonians want to create a lasting legacy by supporting permanent statewide funding for this Oregon tradition.” said Shelley Day, Executive Director of Camp Attitude Oregon, Inc.
The Save Outdoor School for All initiative proposes setting aside four percent of lottery proceeds, not to exceed $22 million annually, to fund a full week of Outdoor School programming for every Oregon fifth or sixth grader.
The money would come from unallocated lottery funds; meaning, dollars that are not allocated to any other permanent program currently supported by lottery revenues (27 percent of total lottery funds available are considered “unallocated”).
Currently, unallocated lottery funds are used at the discretion of the Legislature.
