2017 SJR 18: Proposal to add new Section 9 to Article VIII

Senate Joint Resolution No. 18 proposes to add a new section 9 to Article VIII of the Oregon State Constitution.  Article VIII is entitled "Education and School Lands".  This resolution was filed by Senators Ferrioli and Olsen.

What SJR 18 does

This new section requires that in the regular session of odd numbered years, the Legislature has to pass funding for K-12 education first before they pass appropriations bills for anything else.  Subsection 2 discusses what to do in the event of a gubernatorial veto.  Subsection 3 affirms that violation of subsection 1 and 2 would cause any bill to be considered null and void.  Finally subsection 4 defines the term "State Agency".

My view

The thought is a good thought in that I agree that K-12 education needs to be given priority for funding.  What I am unsure of is whether it will make any difference.  When the Legislature signs into law more appropriations than there is revenue, the real limiting factor ends up being how many checks the Treasury can write before it runs out of cash.  I don't really see that there is anything stopping the Legislature from passing appropriations until the cows come home.  Because of this, it doesn't really matter in what order the appropriations bills are passed and hence, this amendment does not provide any additional assurance that education is funded better.  Maybe the intent was to prevent it from it being used for political purposes by one or another party.