May 13, 2021 3:20 a.m.

On Wednesday, Oregon House Republicans announced their support for $9.6 billion to fully fund schools.

A release from the House Republican Caucus said that amount was requested by the state’s education leaders to support the 2021-2022 school year and will contribute to fully reopening Oregon schools for in-person learning by the fall.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan said, “We have to get our kids back in the classroom for full in-person learning. Fully funding their education is part of making that happen”. Drazan said kids have suffered enough mental health setbacks and learning losses with virtual and hybrid school. Drazan said “We made a commitment last week that will let families and students choose full in-person learning by the fall, and this week we’re committing to fully fund our schools so we can accomplish that goal”.

The release said submitted testimonies from school administrators, the statewide teacher’s union and other education supporters said that anything less than a $9.6 billion state school fund will force school districts to make layoffs and other cuts.