December 15, 2023 3:50 a.m.

On Thursday, Senator Ron Wyden released a statement applauding the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for advancing his Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Wyden said, “The Secure Rural Schools Program has proven a vital lifeline for rural counties in Oregon and nationwide, but lapses in Congressional action leave counties dangling on an annual fiscal cliff”. Wyden said “Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act is critical and necessary to support education, road maintenance, forest and watershed health, fire prevention, search and rescue, and other essential services in rural communities”.

Wyden’s release said the legislation would continue investment in rural communities across Oregon and the nation for essential services. Wyden said since he first authored the program in 2000, SRS has provided nearly $4 billion to Oregon counties. Wyden said to preserve the funding for rural communities, Secure Rural Schools must be reauthorized in fiscal year 2024.

The legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.