Latest news with #PreschoolforAll
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Multnomah County's preschool program under fire amid $485 million in unused funds, sparks national education debate
Governor Kotek calls for urgent Preschool for All reforms amid rising US education concerns. (Getty Images) Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is calling for a sweeping overhaul of Multnomah County's Preschool for All (PFA) program, citing severe implementation flaws and mounting public frustration. Her criticism, coming despite support for the program's vision, raises urgent questions about the effective use of public funds earmarked for early education in the US. As reported by KPTV, Governor Kotek stated the program has not delivered on its promise to families, particularly low-income households still struggling to access affordable preschool. 'Kids that should be eligible are not getting a seat in the classroom,' she said, adding that 'the scales are out of balance.' Kotek's call for reform is seen by many as a pivotal moment in the broader US debate over universal early education. Low participation and unspent millions fuel concern Launched to provide free, high-quality preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County, PFA was designed as a flagship model for universal early education. However, only 11% of the county's potential licensed preschool sites are currently participating in the program. Many others are either overwhelmed with paperwork or have chosen not to join due to unclear or burdensome administrative requirements. Compounding the issue is the staggering $485 million in unspent funds allocated for the program, as revealed by state data and referenced by Governor Kotek in her statement, according to KPTV. The funds, which were expected to support rapid expansion and increased access, have instead raised questions about oversight and efficiency. Governor proposes tax structure and provider access reforms In response, Kotek has recommended major adjustments to the program's underlying tax structure and improvements in how providers are onboarded. According to KPTV, she emphasized the need to streamline administrative processes and ensure that no currently enrolled child loses access to services during the transition. Kotek described her position not as cynical but 'a position of optimism,' insisting that reform can strengthen the program's foundation. 'We can serve children and build prosperity at the same time,' she told KPTV. County leadership pushes back, citing success and community support Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson pushed back strongly on the governor's criticisms. As quoted by KPTV, she described it as 'disappointing that the Governor is doubling down on undercutting a program that is successfully serving thousands of young children.' She added that PFA is helping to build the early education workforce and enabling thousands of parents to work. Pederson also noted that over 70,000 letters have been sent to leaders in protest of the proposed changes, and reaffirmed that any future steps 'will include the Board of County Commissioners and the community,' according to KPTV. Statewide implications and growing calls for a national model Governor Kotek's call for change goes beyond Multnomah County. As reported by KPTV, she also advocated for a broader, statewide plan to address Oregon's growing childcare crisis, stating, 'The County must walk and chew gum at the same time.' The debate has now attracted attention nationwide, with education advocates pointing to the PFA program's struggles as emblematic of challenges facing early education systems across the US. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Unsustainable': Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek urges Preschool for All changes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The deadline for parents to accept placement offers just passed. Now, Gov. Kotek is urging county chair Jessica Vega Pederson to consider restructuring how the program is funded. In a letter to the chair, Kotek calls the current direction of the program 'unsustainable.' Currently, Preschool for All is funded by a personal income tax on Multnomah County's highest earners — individuals with a taxable income over $125,000 — and joint filers with an income over $200,000. Kotek says the tax seems to be discouraging top earners from calling Portland home. 'There should have been a statewide tax for preschool. Not a Multnomah County tax that penalizes Multnomah County. We have seen 1,700 higher-income people in the past two years,' said Portland-based businessman Jordan Schnitzer. Schnitzer will be discussing this topic further on the next episode of Eye on Northwest Politics, which airs Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on Portland's CW and at 6 p.m. on KOIN 6. Kotek suggests easing the tax burden on people living and working in Multnomah County through a number of ways, including pausing the Preschool for All tax collection for three years or reducing the tax rate. As it stands now, single filers are taxed 1.5% on taxable income exceeding $125,000. The same rate applies to joint filers with income exceeding $200,000. She also recommends the county figure out what is financially necessary to achieve the original goals of the program, which includes reaching universal access by 2030. Vega Pederson responded to the governor's letter with one of her own, saying in part, 'Our community made a commitment to children, families, preschool providers. Our childcare and early education workforce, as well as our future, when 64% of voters said yes to Preschool for All in 2020.' She goes on to say she will be finalizing a plan to revise the Preschool for All tax in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Last-minute amendment to Oregon bill takes aim at MultCo's ‘Preschool for All' amid state, local tug-of-war
PORTLAND, Ore. () — State lawmakers in Salem are looking at shutting down the funding for the 'Preschool for All' program in Multnomah County . County voters in 2020 approved paying for it through a tax on high-income earners. The program is planning to serve almost 4,000 3- and 4-year-old children next fall. Man named Looney Toon accused of shooting at officers indicted Gov. Tina Kotek has to the Preschool for All tax in Multnomah County, saying it discourages top earners from residing in Oregon's most populated urban metro area. Meanwhile, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has . She and other county commissioners rushed down to Salem for a hastily called information session scheduled by lawmakers to advocate for Preschool for All. 'So it is perplexing to me that this is being brought forward in the last days of session. There has been no public process, no public hearings and limited ways for us to hear from the thousands of voters who approve this measure,' Vega Pederson said. These 15 Oregon food carts are among the nation's 100 best, according to Yelp Some lawmakers said they're concerned there could be a duplication of services. 'The state is investing a lot of money in our Department of Early Learning and if we are duplicating those monies, and those monies are being wasted in certain communities, we may have to make different decisions,' said Oregon State Senator Mark Meek (D-Gladstone). KOIN 6 News confirmed that the governor and the county chair have been meeting to discuss their differences. Governor Kotek wants a pause in the preschool program or the tax rate lowered, citing concerns about high-income earners leaving Portland. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now There is currently an effort underway to block the program legislatively, with a proposed bill arguing the Preschool for All program doesn't align with state standards and requirements. However, Kotek's name is not connected to the piece of legislation. It's unclear whether the bill will move forward for a full vote. However, talks between Chair Vega Pederson and Governor Kotek are expected to continue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Multnomah County chair disputes claim of Preschool for All tax discouraging top earners
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson is disputing data presented in a letter by Gov. Tina Kotek regarding the county's program. The governor said the tax for the program is discouraging top earners from calling Portland home, specifically Multnomah County. Power outages impact thousands in Portland area Preschool for All is funded by a personal income tax on Multnomah County's highest earners — individuals with a taxable income over $125,000 and joint filers with a taxable income of over $200,000. In a , Kotek said there has been a drop of more 1,700 high-earning taxpayers in Multnomah County since the tax kicked in in 2021. That's according to data presented by the Portland Central City Task Force in May. But Chair Vega Pederson said those numbers are dated, as they do not reflect the city's work to follow up with other potential taxpayers. In a response letter to the Kotek, the chair wrote, 'Based on updated data that we received in May, the total number of filers in tax year 2023 is now 38,370, a 5,429 filer increase from revised tax year 2021.' Multnomah County deputy accused of sexually abusing multiple inmates Ryan Yambra, a spokesman for Multnomah County, said the updated data reflects a community that understands and supports the Preschool for All program. 'You go from a 1,700 decline to a 5,400 increase…that's almost a 7,000 tax payer swing, which drastically changes the narrative,' Yambra said. 'This community has decided to make Preschool for All a model nationally that other communities can draw inspiration from.' KOIN 6 News has reached out to the governor's office for a response on the taxpayer data provided by the county and if it changes her recommendations at all for the Preschool for All program. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MultCo parents to Gov. Kotek: ‘Hands off' Preschool for All
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Multnomah County parents rallied in Southeast Portland on Wednesday to save their children's' preschools. They are worried they could close if state lawmakers make good on a threat to stop the county funding for free Preschool for All. City Council approves $65M in Children's Levy grants Money comes from a tax on high-income earners in Multnomah County. Parents are concerned about an that would ban the county from collecting the income tax from high earners, which would end the program by 2027. 'My daughter is now in a preschool she loves. She lives in a community she loves, and we are not grappling with the choice of paying a tremendous amount of money, or pursuing our careers, or paying rent. So I would like to say, hands off to Governor Tina Kotek. Please preserve preschool for all our communities and our youth,' said parent Courtney Dawson at the rally. The governor has concerns about the tax paying for free preschool, saying it is driving high-income earners out of Portland. At a legislative meeting on Tuesday, Multnomah County Board Chair Jessica Vega Pederson urged legislators not to cut off the county's funding source. On Wednesday, KOIN 6 reached out to the head of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee about the attempt to stop the funding. Portland-made film shines light on senior homelessness Senator Mark Meek's chief of staff told us in a statement, 'I can confirm the bill is not moving forward this session. The senator looks forward to continuing these conversations during the interim.' Governor Kotek's office said it has received hundreds of emails on this issue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
