Keeping Oregon Teachers, Police and Prosecutors on the Job

In hard times, the federal government plays an important role in helping families weather the economic storm. This includes maintaining essential services and shoring up the schools. An economic downturn shouldn’t be allowed to put the next generation’s future in jeopardy.

Thanks to Ron Wyden, rural Oregon counties have survived the loss of federal timber payments. The Wyden-authored “Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act" – commonly known as the “country payments law” – has brought more than $2 billion to Oregon counties. This funding has kept schools open, prevented law enforcement lay-offs and ensured that roads get plowed when it snows. Wyden first authored and passed the county payments law in 2000 and led the fight for its successful reauthorization in 2008.

Most recently, Wyden voted to get Oregon with relief funds to prevent teacher layoffs and other school budget cuts that would have reduced classroom time and opportunities across our state. The bill, which will not add to the national debt, will help cushion Oregon’s budget crunch and preserve public education.. As a result, 1,600 Oregon teachers were able to keep their jobs this fall.

Read more about Ron's record in creating good Oregon jobs:

• Making Oregon a Leader in Clean Energy

• Getting Oregonians Back to Work By Better Connecting Our Economy

• Fighting For Oregon’s Timber and Forest Products Industry

• Cleaning Up the Tax Code to Brings Jobs Home and Fuel Growth

• Building Oregon’s Innovation Economy

• Taking Care Of Our Men and Women in Uniform When They Get Home

• Keeping Oregon Teachers, Police and Prosecutors on the Job

• Bringing Together Government and Industry to Build Our Economy

• Helping Beervana Thrive

• Standing Up for Oregon’s Knife Makers