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OBA Launches 2009 Legislative Agenda: Oregon's Place in the Global Economy

Oregon Business Association's legislative agenda represents public policy at its very best - a long-term vision for Oregon and our economy. The agenda is the result of a great deal of deliberative and comprehensive work undertaken by business professionals who volunteer to serve on OBA's six committees that represent OBA's policy priorities - Business & Finance, Education, Environment, Good Government, Health Policy and Transportation.

Over the next few weeks, OBA will highlight in a series of Balanced Voice issues the policy priorities that will guide our lobbying efforts in Salem. To view the complete 2009 Legislative Agenda, go to www.oba-online.org.

Week One: Education

Ensuring a world-class education system for all Oregonians is critical to the state’s ability to compete in the global economy and maintain a high quality of life for all Oregonians. There is a need for a coordinated systematic approach to delivering a highly qualified workforce for Oregon businesses. In addition, investments are needed at every stage of the education continuum, from Pre-K to higher education. Oregon Business Association believes the following will provide a positive return on investment and help achieve quality education outcomes:

Increase Support for Early Childhood Initiatives

To ensure children begin school ready to succeed, investment in early childhood education is critical. Research shows that early education leads to improved literacy and academic performance.

OBA supports the following early childhood initiatives:

Head Start for all eligible three and four year olds
Full-day kindergarten
Targeted investments for evidence-based programs, pre-K through 3rd grade

Support the Governor's Education Enterprise

The 40-40-20 model, which sets a long-term vision for educational attainment, will ensure Oregonian's are well prepared for educational advancement and employment, thereby supporting the competitiveness of Oregon businesses.

OBA supports the Governor's Education Enterprise with investments in education at every level in order to:

Reduce class size
Expand course selections
Implement diploma requirements
Provide workforce training
Ensure adequate funding for public colleges and universities

Targeted Workforce Development Initiatives and Career Readiness Certificate

All Oregonians should have access to post-secondary skills, credits, certificates and degrees that are targeted to current and future workforce needs.

OBA supports funding targeted investments that:

Generate high wage opportunities in areas critical for economic development
Fund community colleges to develop the Career Readiness Certificate

Implement the Engineering Technology Industrial Council (ETIC) Initiative

There is a growing need for engineering and related skills to support the workforce needs of Oregon businesses. In addition, the ETIC initiative is expected to leverage significant private support.

OBA supports ETIC's budget request in order to:

Increase the number of graduating engineers
Create a tier one school of engineering in Oregon