Oregon School Employees Association Legislative Education Day Remarks

Thank you, Vice President Jones. 

Good morning. I am grateful to be with you all to celebrate the immense contributions that Oregon School Employees Association members and classified school employees make to our public schools.

Oregon is grateful for the work you do for our public schools and our students every day, and especially now. I know there is a lot of uncertainty because of what’s going on at the federal level. I want you to know that I am closely assessing the impact of changes happening at the federal level and I’m prepared to stand up for Oregon values and protect what our students have come to expect in schools. Your work at the state level is important now more than ever because in times of uncertainty, the basic functions of what families, students, and teachers expect must continue.

You are the backbone of our schools and communities. You are on the frontlines making sure that our students get to school safely and on time, that our schools are welcoming, safe and functional, that our food is nourishing and shared with a smile, and that our students are seen and supported in our classrooms, on our playgrounds, and outside the school walls. 

And OSEA members represent our most diverse statewide workforce in education and it is so important to our students to have you by their side. 

OSEA members are also highly trained and Oregon depends on you because of the critical role you play in getting students to school, and keeping our schools operating.

We need to honor the time that you spend getting training and qualifications needed to perform the essential functions that you do every day.

And I know education workplace safety is top of mind because the safety of workers taking care of the places students fill is important too.

I can’t be here today and not talk about the work I’m doing around housing affordability. Bringing down the cost of owning a home and living in Oregon is important for school bus drivers, school cafeteria workers, and other workers, who are integral to keeping the places and spaces where students go to learn operating.

That’s why I have a robust legislative agenda to address housing affordability in our state, which is a driving factor in affordability. When more of your check goes to housing, it’s tougher to make ends meet. These are the types of challenges I’m laser focused on. 

I’m committed to not just supporting OSEA, I’m committed to doing whatever I can as governor to bring costs down, protect your rights to collectively bargain, and ensure safety in your workplaces. I support OSEA because you support so many students across Oregon.

Thank you for providing a welcoming and safe place for Oregon’s children. Thank you for providing nourishing meals and smiles. 

Which makes it all the more important that we support and value the capable and compassionate professional classified school employees this legislative season so you can continue to support and lift up your communities.

Thank you.