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Senate committee hears broad support for pilot program letting students help set school budgets
Summary
Senate Bill 749 would create a pilot participatory budgeting program allowing students to take part in preparing portions of their school district budgets; proponents described civic learning benefits and recommended contracting flexibility for implementation.
The Senate Committee on Education conducted a public hearing March 24, 2025, on Senate Bill 749, the School Participatory Budgeting Act. The bill would require the Oregon Department of Education to establish a pilot program and award grants that allow students to participate in preparing portions of a school district’s budget. The measure would appropriate $500,000 from the general fund to ODE, require progress and final reports, and declare an emergency.
Sen. Chris Gorsek, sponsor of the bill, said the pilot is intended to give students “a hands-on perspective” in budget decisions, teach civic skills and improve engagement. The bill requires the State Board of…
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