Oregon voters gave a resounding "Yes" to funding for schools and other vital services Tuesday, passing Measures 66 and 67 by margins of about 54 to 46 percent.  The individual and corporate income tax measures provide $733 million for schools and other vital services in this 2009-11 biennium.

"The campaign focused on the importance of schools to Oregon's economy and its future," COSA Executive Director Kent Hunsaker said Tuesday night.  "Oregonians have spoken, and they have made it clear that further reductions in schools days or increases in class sizes would be irresponsible."

Hunsaker said that, as the legislature convenes next week, COSA and its education partners will be working to build on the momentum of the election and assure that, regardless of upcoming economic forecasts, Oregon K-12 will receive the promised $6.0 level of 2009-11 funding.

The election and the legislative session will be key topics at the OACOA/OASE Winter Conference at Salishan this week, including during the Off The Record meeting on Thursday afternoon, as well as breakout sessions with COSA Governmental Affairs Director Chuck Bennett on Friday afternoon.

Support for the measures was strongest in Multnomah, Lane, Benton and Washington counties, and stronger than expected throughout many parts of Oregon.  See county-by-county results here.