During a recent government meeting, Paulina Laperi, representing the League of Women Voters of Portland, voiced strong concerns regarding the proposed delay of a tax increase intended to fund the Preschool for All (PFA) initiative. Laperi highlighted the program's reliance on a tax structure that is heavily dependent on high-income households, raising alarms about its volatility amid uncertain economic conditions.

Laperi emphasized the importance of adequate funding for public education, advocating for local measures to ensure quality education. She underscored the long-term benefits of early childhood education, noting that access to preschool significantly enhances children's academic success and increases high school graduation rates.

The PFA program aims to provide access to preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County by 2030, with a focus on equity for historically underserved groups. Laperi reported high satisfaction rates among participating families and mentioned ongoing efforts to support early childhood educators through increased wages and resources for providers.

Despite current funding surpluses, Laperi warned that the program anticipates future deficits as it expands. She urged the committee to consider the technical analysis and implement the necessary tax increase to secure the program's sustainability. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on proposed amendments related to the funding measures.