Oregon Outdoor School Lottery Fund, Measure 99 (2016)

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Oregon Measure 99
Flag of Oregon.png
Election date
November 8, 2016
Topic
Lottery and Education
Status
Approveda Approved
Type
State statute
Origin
Citizens

2016 measures
Seal of Oregon.png
November 8
Measure 94 Defeatedd
Measure 95 Approveda
Measure 96 Approveda
Measure 97 Defeatedd
Measure 98 Approveda
Measure 99 Approveda
Measure 100 Approveda
Polls
Voter guides
Campaign finance
Signature costs

The Outdoor School Lottery Fund Initiative, also known as Measure 99, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Oregon as an initiated state statute. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported creating an "Outdoor School Education Fund," sourced from state lottery proceeds, to support outdoor school programs.
A "no" vote supported retaining the existing funding structure for outdoor education, where Oregon State University awards individual grants to school districts.[1]

Election results

Measure 99
ResultVotesPercentage
Approveda Yes 1,287,095 67.11%
No630,73532.89%
Election results from Oregon Secretary of State

Overview

Outdoor School in Oregon

In 2016, the Oregon "Outdoor School" program was a week-long field science curriculum focusing on the environment, natural resources, economic development, and related careers. Participation in Outdoor School varied by school district. Due to budget constraints, many school districts shortened or eliminated Outdoor School.[2]

Initiative design

Measure 99 created an Outdoor School Education Fund with 4 percent of the revenue or between $5.5 and $22 million per year and adjusted for inflation in the Oregon State Lottery Fund. The measure required that withdraws from the State Lottery Fund cannot reduce lottery proceeds dedicated to the restoration and preservation of parks, beaches, watersheds, and native fish and wildlife. The Outdoor School Education Fund was designed to provide Oregon fifth- and sixth-grade students with a week-long outdoor school program. The Oregon State University Extension Service was intended to administer the fund.[1]

State of the ballot measure campaigns

Save Outdoor School for All, the campaign supporting Measure 99, raised $3.31 million. Opponents did not organize a political committee and therefore did not receive contributions. The top donor to the “Yes” campaign was the Gray Family Foundation, which contributed $240,000. Polls indicated that around 69 percent of voters favored Measure 99 prior to the election. Gov. Kate Brown (D) supported the initiative.

Text of measure

Ballot title

The certified ballot title was as follows:[1]

Creates "Outdoor School Education Fund," continuously funded through Lottery, to provide outdoor school programs statewide

Result of "Yes" Vote: "Yes" vote creates separate fund, financed through Oregon Lottery Economic Development Fund and administered by Oregon State University (OSU), to provide outdoor school programs statewide.

Result of "No" Vote: "No" vote rejects creation of fund to provide outdoor school programs statewide; retains current law under which OSU administers outdoor school grants if funding available.

Summary: Presently, Oregon does not fund outdoor school programs statewide, but, under current law, OSU assists school districts by awarding grants according to specified criteria and providing program maintenance, conditioned on funding. Measure creates separate "Outdoor School Education Fund" (Fund) that is financed by Oregon State Lottery money distributed for economic development. Caps annual distributions of Lottery revenues to Fund. Specifies Fund's purpose to provide every Oregon fifth- or sixth-grade student week-long outdoor school program or equivalent. Continuously appropriates Fund to OSU to administer and fund outdoor school programs statewide consistent with current law's grant program criteria; may require Fund dispersal outside of grant program. Allocations to Fund shall not reduce lottery proceeds dedicated under Oregon Constitution to education, parks, beaches, watersheds, fish, wildlife.[3]

Ballot summary

The explanatory statement was as follows:[2]

Ballot Measure 99 requires a portion of lottery-related moneys to be dedicated for the purpose of providing every student in fifth or sixth grade in this state with the opportunity to attend a week-long outdoor school program or an equivalent outdoor education experience that reflects local community needs.

Historically, “Outdoor School” is a week-long residential field science program designed to give students the opportunity to study natural sciences and the interrelationship of nature, natural resources, economic development, and career opportunities in Oregon in collaboration with students from other schools. Outdoor school programs have been offered throughout the state since the 1950’s. Due to budget constraints, many school districts have either shortened the length of outdoor school or eliminated it altogether.

During the 2015 session, the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 439, a bill authorizing the Oregon State University Extension Service to support, administer, and fund outdoor school programs throughout the state. Under Senate Bill 439, grants would be made to local school districts and education service districts consistent with the priorities outlined in the bill. However, the Legislative Assembly provided no funding for the program.

The measure establishes the Outdoor School Education Fund for the purpose of receiving moneys made available under the measure. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the Oregon State University Extension Service to support, administer and fund outdoor education programs as authorized by the Legislative Assembly in Senate Bill 439.

The measure authorizes the transfer of no more than $22 million annually from the Oregon State Lottery Fund to the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund. The minimum amount will be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

The measure prohibits any reductions in the amounts of lottery proceeds that are constitutionally dedicated to education or to the restoration and preservation of parks, beaches, watersheds and native fish and wildlife.

Full text

The full text of the measure was as follows:[2]

The people of the State of Oregon adopt this ACT TO CREATE THE OUTDOOR SCHOOL EDUCATION FUND TO ALLOW ALL OREGON STUDENTS TO ATTEND OUTDOOR SCHOOL, to be made a part of the Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 461.

Section 1. Findings

(1) Since the late 1950s, nearly one million Oregon students have attended Outdoor School, a unique week-long, field science program giving students the opportunity to study natural sciences and responsible use of natural resources in collaboration with students from other schools.

(2) Currently, only about half of Oregon students attend Outdoor School. Most remaining programs have been significantly shortened. Rural and lower income districts have been particularly affected.

(3) Every Oregon student in the fifth or sixth grade should have the opportunity to attend a week-long outdoor school program or a comparable outdoor education program.

(4) Outdoor School builds self-sufficiency and leadership skills, helps students understand the interdependence of Oregon's rural and urban areas, develops critical thinking skills and improves school attendance and retention rates.

(5) Fully supporting Outdoor School for all Oregon students will help students meet state standards in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through direct, hands-on experience, which is shown to strongly influence learning and career choices.

(6) Fully supporting Outdoor School for all Oregon students will create jobs throughout Oregon as well as support economic development in rural areas.

(7) Under Article XV, Section 4 of the Oregon Constitution, net proceeds from the Oregon Lottery shall be used to create jobs, further economic development, finance public education and restore and protect Oregon's parks, beaches, watersheds, and native fish and wildlife.

Section 2. Creates Outdoor School Education Fund

(1) The Outdoor School Education Fund is created within the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund.

(2) Moneys in the fund shall consist of:

a) Amounts donated to the fund;

b) Amounts allocated under Section 2(3) below or otherwise transferred to the fund by the Legislative Assembly;

c) Investment earnings received on moneys in the fund; and

d) Other amounts deposited in the fund from any source.

(3) In each fiscal quarter of a biennium, commencing with the first quarter of the biennium beginning July 1, 2017, there is allocated from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund to the Outdoor School Education Fund established by this measure an amount equal to the lesser of:

a) Four percent of the moneys transferred from the Oregon State Lottery Fund in that fiscal quarter; or

b) $5.50 million, but not to exceed $22 million annually, adjusted annually pursuant to the Consumer Price Index, as defined in ORS 327.006.

(4) The allocation of funds to the Outdoor School Education Fund shall not reduce lottery proceeds dedicated to education under Article XV, Section 4 of the Oregon Constitution, or to the restoration and preservation of parks, beaches, watersheds, and native fish and wildlife under Article XV, Sections 4a and 4b of the Oregon Constitution.

Section 3. Purpose of Outdoor School Education Fund

(1) The primary purpose of the Outdoor School Education Fund is to provide every Oregon student in fifth or sixth grade the opportunity to attend a week-long outdoor school program, or an equivalent outdoor education experience that reflects local community needs, consistent with provisions of Enrolled Senate Bill 439 (2015 Regular Session).

(2) Any moneys remaining in the Outdoor School Education Fund after providing every Oregon student in fifth or sixth grade with an opportunity to attend a week-long Outdoor School may be used by the Oregon State University Extension Service to support the development and delivery of additional outdoor education programs in Oregon's K-12 public schools.

Section 4. Continuous Appropriation

Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Oregon State University Extension Service to support, administer and fund an Outdoor School program as set forth in Enrolled Senate Bill 439 (2015 Regular Session) and additional outdoor education programs for Oregon K-12 children.

Fiscal impact statement

See also: Fiscal impact statement

The fiscal impact statement was as follows:[2]

This measure amends Oregon Revised Statutes to dedicate a portion of lottery proceeds for a statewide outdoor school program. In 2015, the Oregon State Legislature established an Outdoor Education Account for the purpose of funding a six day, residential, hands-on outdoor school program or equivalent for fifth and sixth grade students across the state. The Legislature did not provide funding at that time. This measure would affect distributions from the Department of Administrative Services Economic Development Fund. It dedicates the lesser of the following two amounts to the Outdoor Education account: either four percent of the quarterly transfers to this fund or $5.5 million quarterly, with a maximum of $22 million each year.

The measure would result in an expenditure shift of $22 million annually to the Outdoor Education Account from the Department of Administrative Services Economic Development Fund. The measure does not affect the overall amount of funds collected for or expended by state government. This measure would not have an impact on the constitutionally dedicated amounts for the Educational Stability Fund or the Parks and Natural Resources Fund.[3]

Background

Outdoor School

In 2016, the Oregon "Outdoor School" program was a week-long field science curriculum focusing on the environment, natural resources, economic development, and related careers.[2] In 1957, Professor Irene Hollenbeck of Southern Oregon University organized a program similar to what would become Outdoor School with the Medford School District. The first Outdoor School program was launched in 1958 by Crook County School District.[4]

Participation in Outdoor School varied by school district, with some funding full-week programs, others funding two- or three-day programs, and others not providing Outdoor School at all. Most districts funded the program through private donations or by asking parents to contribute. Due to budget constraints, many school districts shortened or eliminated Outdoor School.[2]

In a statement to the Oregon Legislature in 2015, the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition said eight Oregon counties had greater than 80 percent of students participating in Outdoor School, another eight had between 41 and 80 percent participating, the next eight had between 21 to 40 percent enrolled, eight more had participation under 20 percent, and four counties had no participation.[5]

Senate Bill 439

In 2015, the Oregon Legislature approved Senate Bill 439 (SB 439). Only one legislator voted against the bill. SB 439 assigned the Oregon State University Extension Service with assisting school districts in providing Outdoor School programs through grants. To receive grants under SB 439, school districts need to develop programs that provide a "six-day, residential, hands-on educational experience, or an equivalent outdoor educational experience that reflects local community needs and contexts, featuring field study opportunities." The legislature did not, however, provide funding for the grant program.[5]

Lottery funding

Measure 99 funded Outdoor School through appropriating $22 million per year, adjusted for inflation, from the Oregon State Lottery Fund. The measure prohibited any reduction in authorized funds from the State Lottery Fund to education, parks and beaches, and environmental conservation.[2] In 2013 through 2015, revenue in the Oregon State Lottery Fund was distributed as follows:[6]

  • 57 percent towards public education.
  • 27 percent towards economic development and assistance for the state's industries.
  • 15 percent towards state parks and natural resources, including watershed enhancement and salmon restoration.
  • 1 percent towards problem gambling treatment.

Support

Oregon 2016 Yes on 99 logo.png

Save Outdoor School for All, also known as Yes on 99, led the campaign in support of Measure 99.[7]

Supporters

Officials

Parties

  • Democratic Party of Oregon[9]
  • College Democrats of Oregon
  • The Deschutes County Democrats
  • Marion County Democrats
  • Multnomah County Democrats
  • Tillamook County Democrats
  • Washington County Democrats

Organizations

  • Adventures Without Limits[9]
  • African American Outdoor Association
  • AFT-Oregon
  • Audubon Society of Portland
  • Black Butte Heritage Society
  • Camions of Care
  • Camp Attitude
  • Camp Eagle Cap
  • Camp Fire Columbia
  • Camp Kiwanilong
  • Camp Tamarack
  • Camp Westwind
  • CareOregon
  • Cascadia Center for Arts & Crafts
  • Center for Geography Education in Oregon
  • Central Oregon LandWatch
  • Central Oregon Locavore
  • Children First for Oregon
  • Children's Museum of Central Oregon
  • Childrens Forest of Central Oregon
  • Circle Of Children
  • Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts
  • Columbia Land Trust
  • Columbia Riverkeeper
  • Columbia Sportswear
  • Corbett Education Association
  • Coyote Trails School of Nature
  • Crow's Feet Commons
  • CYO/Camp Howard
  • Deschutes Land Trust
  • Discover Your Forest
  • Drift Creek Camp
  • East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Directors
  • Ecology in Classrooms & Outdoors
  • Elk Meadow PTO
  • Engaging Every Student
  • Environmental Education Association of Oregon
  • Environmental Science Consulting
  • Findley Elementary PTO
  • Fish Marketing
  • Forest Creek Studios
  • Forest Park Conservancy
  • Forests Today & Forever
  • Fried Egg I'm In Love
  • Friends of Columbia Gorge
  • Friends of Outdoor School
  • Friends of Realms
  • Friends of Trees
  • Friends of Tryon Creek
  • GEOS Institute
  • Gilgamesh Brewing
  • Gray Family Foundation
  • Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network
  • Greenbelt Land Trust
  • Grounds For Play
  • H.O.N.E.Y. Inc.
  • Hells Canyon Preservation Council
  • Hoyt Arboretum Friends
  • Josephy Center for Arts and Culture
  • Kimball Physical Therapy
  • Klamath Outdoor Science School
  • Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
  • Leach Garden Friends
  • Linn-Benton Unit 18 of the Oregon Retired Teacher's Association
  • Lomakatsi Restoration Project
  • Lost Valley Education Center
  • Mazamas
  • Mount Pisgah Arboretum
  • National Wildlife Federation - Northern Rockies, Prairies & Pacific Region
  • NatureConnectNW
  • Nearby Nature
  • North Avenue Education
  • North Fork John Day Watershed Council
  • Northwest Earth Institute
  • Northwest Outward Bound School
  • Northwest Steelheaders Association
  • Onward Oregon
  • OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon
  • Oregon AFSCME
  • Oregon BATs
  • Oregon Big Tent Recreation Coalition
  • Oregon Council of Trout Unlimted
  • Oregon Desert Trail Association
  • Oregon Environmental Council
  • Oregon League of Conservation Voters
  • Oregon Natural Desert Association
  • Oregon Nurses Association
  • Oregon Observatory at SunRiver
  • Oregon Partners of the Americas
  • Oregon Public Health Institute
  • Oregon Retired Educators Association
  • Oregon Retired Educators Association Unit 1, Portland
  • Oregon Save Our Schools
  • Oregon Science Teachers Association
  • Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition
  • Oregon Small Woodlands Association
  • Oregon State Parks Foundation
  • Oregon Wild
  • Oregon Women for Agriculture
  • Outdoor Industry Association
  • Outdoor Project
  • Polk Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Portland Association of Teachers
  • Portland Eco School Network
  • Portland Public Schools
  • Powder Basin Watershed Council
  • Project YESS Youth Conservation Corps/Mt. Hood Community College
  • Rogue Valley Farm to School
  • Rural Organizing Project
  • Sauvie Island Center
  • SEIU 503
  • Sera
  • ShareOregon
  • Sierra Club, Oregon Chapter
  • Siskiyou Field Institute
  • Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
  • Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
  • Sunridge Middle School
  • Sunriver Nature Center
  • The Bus Project
  • The Environmental Center
  • The Nature Conservancy in Oregon
  • The Trust for Public Land
  • Trackers Earth
  • Tualatin Riverkeepers
  • Unite Oregon
  • Upstream Public Health
  • Wallowa Resources
  • Watershed Education Adventures
  • Whole Earth Nature School
  • Wild Salmon Center
  • Willamette Falls UniServ OEA

Businesses

  • 2nd Wind Sports[9]
  • 47th Avenue Farm
  • 6 Ranch
  • A to Z Wineworks
  • Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe
  • Älska Art
  • Baden-Powell Service Association
  • Base Camp Brewing Co
  • Bethel Heights Vineyard
  • Bikram Yoga Bend
  • Blackbird Shopping Center
  • Cairn
  • Caldera
  • Care Oregon and Upstream Public Health
  • CENTRL Office
  • Clear Creek Family Practice
  • Coastal Farm and Ranch
  • Cocoa n' Lola
  • Denton Plastics
  • Eden Acres
  • eROI
  • Everyday Brain Fitness
  • Explorer Post 58
  • Fabulous Floors- Bend
  • Far West Recycling Inc.
  • Fit Pit LLC
  • Gard Communications
  • Gear Fix
  • Hi-Tec sports
  • Hikertrash
  • Hopscotch Toys and Games
  • Hopworks Urban Brewery
  • HOTLIPS
  • Hydro Flask
  • Impact Flow
  • Kaiser Permanente[10]
  • Keen Footwear
  • Leatherman
  • mangai.rollin
  • Manifesto Agency
  • Medford Fabrication
  • Metolius Tea
  • Metropolitian Group
  • Miles Fiberglass
  • Mission Expedition
  • Mountain Shop
  • Neil Kelly Inc
  • NetRaising
  • New Seasons Market
  • Next Adventure
  • Nike Inc.
  • Ochoco Lumber
  • Onboard Dynamics
  • Organically Grown Company
  • Ouzel Outfitters
  • PhotoMurray
  • Pine Mountain Sports
  • Popina
  • REI
  • Rejuvenation Therapy Pain Clinic, LLP
  • ReRack
  • Ruffwear
  • Sisters Coffee Company
  • Six Moon Designs
  • Snow Peak
  • Soul Sister Cycling
  • Springwater Partners
  • Stand on Liquid
  • Starker Forests Inc.
  • Terra Incognita
  • The Ashland Outdoor Store
  • The Broomsmen
  • The Lumberyard
  • Thews Sheet Metal
  • Thomas and Sons Distillery
  • Tilbury Ferguson Investment Real Estate
  • Timber Joey
  • Timberline Lodge
  • Townshend's Tea Company
  • Vernier Software and Technology
  • Volcano Veggies LLC
  • Wasatch Custom Angling
  • Washington Family Ranch
  • Webfoot Painting
  • Westcorp Mortgage
  • Wild Friends Foods
  • Wildwood/Mahonia
  • Yakima

Arguments

Save Outdoor School for All answered the question "Why Measure 99?" with the following:[11]


A Save Outdoor School for All advertisement

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

Since its first band of Medford sixth graders in 1957, Outdoor School’s mission has been simple: get our next generation of leaders off the couch and out into Oregon’s great outdoors.

Oregon is a stunning tapestry of natural wonder and natural riches. Our challenge as Oregonians is making sure it stays that way. How do we inspire and equip the next generation to be the leaders we need?

THE ANSWER IS OUTSIDE

Outdoor School is a proven answer. Kids come alive – curious and engaged – when they get outdoors. Outdoor School is a smart, time-tested, hands-on science-based week of solid, effective education. Breathing fresh air, surrounded by wonder, collaborating with other kids builds confidence and self-sufficiency as kids learn to value and make responsible choices about our incredible natural resources.

Simply put, Outdoor School is a time-tested experience that changes kids’ lives and makes them better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

IT’S TIME TO ENSURE OUTDOOR SCHOOL IS THERE FOR ALL KIDS

Because of tight school budgets, currently only about half of Oregon’s students get to experience Outdoor School. And even then, sometimes only for a day or two rather than the full week experience that research shows is most effective.

That’s not good for Oregon. Or our kids. With your help, we can change this. The benefits of Outdoor School are clear: strengthening today’s economy, creating tomorrow’s leaders, and preserving for all time the natural resources and natural legacy that make us who we are – Oregonians.[3]

Carol Packard, a middle school teacher and outdoor school program coordinator, contended:[12]

Countless graduating high school seniors have noted that their time at outdoor school was the single most important experience in all of their school years. Middle school students rave about how it was the most amazing experience of their lives and they can’t wait to “pass it on” and be a high school or college counselor. Across Oregon, educators, scientists and natural resource professionals credit outdoor school as the motivating spark that led them to their careers.[3]

Matt Bradley, Executive Director of the Whole Earth Nature School, argued:[13]

Six hundred full-time-equivalent jobs would be created with the passage of Measure 99, and $27 million would flow back into local economies annually, much of it in rural areas. In the long term, making Outdoor School a priority would encourage young people to study science, technology, engineering and math, therefore helping to create our next generation of high-tech workers as well as a healthier generation of youth.[3]

Other arguments in support of Measure 99 included:

  • Gov. Kate Brown (D) stated, "There’s no better way to develop a bond with our natural environment than spending time outdoors. That connection is an important part of growing up in Oregon and is fundamental to instilling the values of conservation in our children."[13]
  • Chris Enlow, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at KEEN footwear, said, "If you don't have those experiences young in life, you won't have a lifelong appreciation for parks and natural areas, conservation and ultimately protecting the places where we play."[14]

Official arguments

A total of 13 arguments in favor of Measure 99 were submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State. The following is a selection of five arguments:


Oregon Teachers Say:
Bring Outdoor School to ALL Oregon Kids!

We know firsthand that outdoor school impacts students like no other educational experience.

Countless graduating seniors from all across Oregon tell us that Outdoor School was the single most important experience of their school years. It changes kids’ lives and prepares them to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

But right now there is no dedicated funding for Outdoor School, so many kids who need it most—children of color, children with disabilities and those who live in struggling areas—are often left behind.

Life Skills & Student Success

Kids come alive—curious and engaged—when they get outdoors. And research shows that children who attend Outdoor School do better in school, attendance improves and they’re more motivated to learn.

Outdoor School:

  • Gives middle school students a scientific, hands-on learning opportunity they just can’t get in the classroom.
  • Builds self-confidence, self-reliance and collaboration skills.
  • Exposes kids to science, technology, engineering and math fields (STEM)—critical to success in the 21st century.
  • Provides career-defining internships giving high-schoolers leadership skills and real-world training.
Connects Kids to the Wonders of Science and Nature

The average child today spends seven hours per day on a screen, and less time outside than ever before. Outdoor School reconnects kids with science and nature, fostering a sense of responsibility, stewardship and connection to the land.

A Proven Educational Investment

For over 50 years, Outdoor School has been a proven success. Measure 99 is the most economical and effective way to deliver results without any new taxes, through dedicated lottery funds.

Join Us in Voting Yes!

Benno Lyon, 9th Grade Teacher, Corbett
Cristal Miller, 5th Grade Teacher, Brookings
Hannah Kolni, 6th Grade Teacher, Grants Pass
Johanna Withrow-Robinson, Teacher, Springfield
John Scanlan, Teacher, Pendleton
Laura Syring, High School Science Teacher, McMinnville
Micah Freeman, 7th Grade Teacher & Restorative Justice Specialist, Fairview
Ralph Burelle, Retired School Counselor, Medford
Sandy Phillips, 5th Grade Teacher, Bend[3]


TRUSTED ORGANIZATIONS
WHO FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE
SUPPORT OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL

“Like no experience kids get in the classroom, Outdoor School’s hands-on, exploratory learning brings science and math to life. It teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and provides important experience in the STEM fields – critical to success in the 21st century global job market.”
THE OREGON SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

“Every child needs and deserves an opportunity to have this learning and life experience. Right now, about half of Oregon students are denied the opportunity to attend Outdoor School – and usually they are the children most in need. This initiative was specifically written to address the inequity of outdoor school education for underserved children.”
CHARLES MCGEE, BLACK PARENT INITIATIVE

“The collaboration and teamwork that happens at Outdoor School absolutely changes kids’ lives. They build leadership skills, curiosity, confidence and self-sufficiency – learning the life skills and values that make great future citizens.”
CHILDREN FIRST FOR OREGON

“In today’s world of technology overload, Outdoor School is needed now more than ever to combat diabetes, depression, and re-connect young people with the wonders of science and nature. Measure 99 gives all Oregon middle schoolers a chance to unplug from their screens, and learn in the great outdoors.”
OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION
KAISER PERMANENTE
UPSTREAM PUBLIC HEALTH

“Research shows that kids who go to Outdoor School do better in school. Attendance improves, they become more motivated to learn, and they feel more connected and confident in the classroom.”
SUZANNE COHEN, PRESIDENT, PORTLAND ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS

“It is time to stop talking and start doing right where our kids are concerned. If we want our kids to learn to be critical thinkers, build teams and learn lasting life values, then we need to do the responsible thing and create a dedicated funding stream for Outdoor School. Our children’s legacy is our responsibility.”
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS - OREGON[3]


Conservation leaders say YES on 99:
Our children's and grandchildren's legacy is our responsibility.

For generations, Outdoor School has been a rite of passage that strengthens Oregon's way of life. This proven hands-on learning experience has connected 5th and 6th graders with the outdoors for 50+ years, helping us raise Oregonians who share our values and leaders who will protect our land, air, and water.

Outdoor School fosters understanding, responsibility, and stewardship for this place we all call home, through a learning environment you just cannot get in the classroom.

But that legacy is in danger. Due to budget cuts and unstable funding, about half of students are denied the opportunity to attend Outdoor School.

Measure 99 will preserve our legacy, by establishing dedicated funding using Lottery Dollars – a natural fit with Lottery's goals of funding education, natural resources and economic development.

With so much screen time in children’s lives, kids spend far less time outside exploring. Outdoor School is needed more than ever, so we can continue to educate Oregon’s future leaders about why protecting our livability, natural resources, and outdoor wonders is so important.

Every child deserves the opportunity for this hands-on learning and life experience that cultivates leadership, collaboration, and exceptional education about our natural resources.

Please join us in voting YES, because nature is the very best classroom.

African American Outdoor Association
Audubon Society of Portland
Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts
Deschutes Land Trust
The Environmental Center, Bend
Forest Park Conservancy
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Friends of Trees
Hells Canyon Preservation Council
Hoyt Arboretum Friends Foundation
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
Mazamas
National Wildlife Federation – Northern Rockies, Praries & Pacific Region
The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Chapter
North Fork John Day Watershed Council
Northwest Outward Bound
OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon
Oregon Environmental Council
Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Sierra Club, Oregon Chapter
Sunriver Nature Center
Timberline Lodge
Wild Salmon Center[3]


Preserve Outdoor School:
Hands-on science. Leadership. Critical thinking. Collaboration.

At Outdoor School, science comes to life, and so do kids.

Curiosity blossoms. Fifth and sixth graders build confidence, self-sufficiency and problem-solving skills. They engage in hands-on science learning and connect with Oregon’s natural resources. That’s more important than ever in today’s world of technology overload.

Sadly, this rite of passage – shared by generations of Oregonians – is threatened.

Due to budget cuts and unstable funding, Outdoor School is at a crossroads. After more than 50 years of proven success, we’re facing a future where only children in wealthy areas will be able to attend.

This initiative was specifically written to address the inequity of denying outdoor education to over half of Oregon children.

Often, it’s the kids who most need Outdoor School that are denied the opportunity. Measure 99 puts lottery dollars to good use, creating a dedicated funding stream – without raising taxes – ensuring that future generations of Oregonians continue to learn about science, nature and life.

Every child deserves the same opportunity to experience this effective, important, hands-on learning – regardless of their income, zip code or disability.

Outdoor education not only promotes academic achievement, it builds important life skills like leadership, critical thinking and collaboration. It teaches our children and grandchildren to be stewards of our natural resources and leaders in their communities.

With Measure 99, Outdoor School will serve 50,000 students every year, plus offer 3,000 career-defining high school internships. That’s a great investment in our future.

Outdoor School provides something that kids simply can’t get in a classroom. Please help ensure that ALL Oregon children have access.

Gray Family Foundation
Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition
Friends of Outdoor School
Environmental Education Association of Oregon
Big Lake Youth Camp
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center
Outdoor Project
Camp Angelos
Camp Tamarack
Camp Westwind
Campfire Columbia
Lake of the Woods Resort
Siskiyou Field Institute
Wallowa Resources[3]


Members of Oregon’s Agriculture and Forestry Communities
Strongly Urge Yes on 99

After 50+ years of success, we must take action now to save Outdoor School’s proven hands-on science education program.

Outdoor School strengthens Oregon's way of life and our economy. Oregon's beauty and natural resources are the foundation of our quality of life, and our economy depends heavily on agriculture, timber and outdoor recreation. Outdoor School will generate positive economic impact and create jobs in rural Oregon where local economies still struggle to recover.

Hands-on learning gives students the tools and knowledge to make wise choices about our natural resources.

Countless graduating seniors identify Outdoor School as one of the most important parts of their education:

  • Improves interest and performance in school, especially in science and math.
  • Helps kids see their own potential as scientists, educators, and leaders.
  • Particularly effective among low-income and students of color.
  • Available to all kids, regardless of abilities or learning styles.
  • Builds self-sufficiency, self-confidence, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Outdoor School has been a rite of passage and a shared experience for generations. It helps bridge the rural and urban divide, and the hands-on learning environment sparks kids’ interest in pursuing careers in science and natural resources.

Oregon is the outdoors! At a time when children spend more time thumbing through virtual worlds on small screens than in the real world running through fields and forests, we need Outdoor School more than ever.

Without raising taxes, Measure 99 creates stable funding, so every child – whether they’re from Astoria, Klamath Falls, Portland or Ontario – can learn about why protecting Oregon’s natural resources, outdoor wonders and livability is so important.

Oregon Women for Agriculture
Berg's Berries
Coastal Farm and Ranch
Honor Earth Farm
Madras Farms Co.
Mahonia Vineyard and Nursery
Ochoco Lumber
Sauvie Island Organics
Starker Forests
Willamette Farm and Food Coalition
Windflower Farms
Winter Green Farm[3]

Campaign advertisements

The following videos were produced by Save Outdoor School for All:[15]

Yes on 99's "Oregon Kids Share Why Outdoor School Matters"
A Yes on 99 ad featuring Phillip Wu, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Opposition

Opponents

Arguments

Oregon Sen. Betsy Johnson (D-16) wrote in the Oregonian the following:[16]

Some programs that have proved their worth at OSU Extension Services are also now jeopardized. OSU would be tasked with developing the Outdoor School curricula, deciding which schools would receive funds and then distributing the grants. The time and work to do that has to come from somewhere. Programs such as 4-H and Master Gardeners could be cut. Some kids could lose their 4-H agricultural projects so other kids can go to camp for a week.

Even then, not all fifth- and sixth-graders will be selected for camp. A Portland-based political group named itself Outdoor School for All, but the truth is grants will only go to school districts whose outdoor programs promote 14 criteria — including higher test scores, fewer discipline problems, improved language arts skills and "accessibility to students of all abilities."

Having an opportunity to be out in the woods and experience nature is valuable. No disagreement there. But we cannot rob other programs every time advocates organize for a cause and decide they know what's best for everyone — if someone else will pay for it.[3]

Official arguments

A total of two arguments against Measure 99 were submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State. The following is the two arguments:

The Oregon Economic Development Association opposes Measure 99 for two reasons.

First, the bill hurts Oregon families and communities. It permanently takes away funding for economic and business development that directly grows jobs in our state, primarily by helping existing Oregon companies stay here and expand.

Economic development is critical to the health of our communities. Last year alone, the state’s economic development agency helped companies retain or create more than 8,800 private sector jobs, overwhelmingly in small businesses. These jobs are family livelihoods in urban and rural communities across Oregon. By taking away funds for economic development, Measure 99 hurts the people it intends to help.

Second, Measure 99 threatens the state’s fiscal health. Oregon’s general fund is fueled by jobs, in the form of income taxes. Personal income taxes comprise more than 85% of the general fund. Thanks to the efforts of economic development, the state’s revenue is expected to grow by $1.5 billion in the coming budget because more Oregonians are being hired and seeing their paychecks increase. Without efforts to create and retain these well-paying jobs, Oregon loses.

Every year, Oregon continues to give smaller portions of lottery revenues to economic development and job creation, though it was the very reason Oregon voters created the lottery in 1984. Back then, most of our lottery dollars went to economic development. Today, only 27 percent of these valuable lottery funds support job creation and retention.

While the Oregon Economic Development Association supports the intent of helping youth connect with our natural resources, Measure 99 achieves it at the expense of economic development funding. It will have the effect of “killing the goose that is laying the golden eggs” for communities and families across Oregon. Our state budget—and all the services we enjoy as Oregonians, such as schools and parks—will feel the impact.

We hope you agree that Measure 99, while well-intended, is bad policy for Oregon.

(This information furnished by Jon Stark, Vice President, Board of Directors, Oregon Economic Development Association.)[3]


BALLOT ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE 99

How could anyone possibly be opposed to Outdoor School for All?

What’s not to like – fresh air, swimming, climbing ropes and trees, communing with nature, making friends at camp.

The problem is that Outdoor School isn’t for all. It’s for some. And it’s an expensive camp at that. It costs $22 million a year (that’s $44 million per biennium), and it will be taken from lottery proceeds that currently go to the state’s economic development.

Funds that now support small businesses and the Oregon Television and Film Office would be shifted to pay for Outdoor School. What does a week of camp have to do with economic development?

Another bit of political word-play in Measure 99: It carefully states that “every” student should have the “opportunity” to go to camp. Specifically, these opportunities would be in the form of grants issued by the OSU Extension Service to school districts that are “consistent with provisions” of Senate Bill 439.

What exactly are these provisions? They are listed in 23 sections and subsections of SB 439, which most voters won’t have time to study, so let me help you: These opportunities for camp will go to school districts with higher scores on “standardized measures of academic achievement,” “fewer discipline and classroom management problems,” “increased student engagement,” and “greater enthusiasm for language arts, math, science and social studies.”

Who will decide which districts meet these provisions and should take priority? An advisory committee, unaccountable to the public, will decide.

Measure 99 is not Outdoor School for All. It’s another Camp Bureaucracy, which this state already has enough of.

Full disclosure: I voted for SB 439 before Outdoor School supporters decided to seize economic development funds to pay for their camp. I would have never voted for it had I known it would be at the expense of this state’s fragile economic recovery.

(This information furnished by State Sen. Betsy Johnson.)[3]

Campaign finance

See also: Ballot measure campaign finance, 2016 and Campaign finance requirements for Oregon ballot measures
Total campaign contributions:
Support: $3,313,307.56
Opposition: $0.00

Three campaign committees registered in support of Measure 99 as of February 7, 2017. The contribution and expenditure totals below were current as of February 7, 2017.[18][19]

Support

Cash donations

The following ballot question committees registered to support this measure as of February 7, 2017. The chart below shows cash donations and expenditures current as of February 7, 2017. For a summary of in-kind donations, click here.[18]

Defend Oregon was registered in support of seven measures on the 2016 ballot. Due to how committees report funds, it was impossible to disaggregate the committee’s contributions and expenditures between the measures.

PAC Amount raised Amount spent
Save Outdoor School for All $807,991.00 $723,973.79
Yes on 99 $256,308.71 $245,386.62
Defend Oregon $1,627,079.90 $1,355,522.04
Total $2,691,379.61 $2,324,882.45

In-kind services

As of February 7, 2017, the ballot question committees registered to support this measure received in-kind services in the amount of $621,927.95.[18]

Top donors

The following were the top donors who contributed to the Yes on 99 committee as of February 7, 2017:[18]

Donor Amount
Gray Family Foundation $240,000.00
Audubon Society of Portland $70,748.00
The Nature Conservancy $36,669.64
James Ratzlaff $15,000.00
John Gray $10,000.00

Defend Oregon was excluded from the top donors table because contributors were not donating to a specific measure. The top donors to Defend Oregon were: Citizen Action for Political Education ($706,750), AFT - Oregon Issues PAC ($250,000), National Education Association ($150,000), Nurses United Political Action Committee ($100,000), and Oregon AFSCME Council 75 ($100,000).

Methodology

To read Ballotpedia's methodology for covering ballot measure campaign finance information, click here.

Media editorials

Support

  • The East Oregonian said: "Talk to anyone who attended outdoor school and they will tell you it’s one of the most memorable, rewarding and educational experiences of their lives. They learned about themselves at an important, if awkward, moment of their lives. They learned more deeply about their classmates and they learned about their planet."[20]
  • East Oregonian endorsed a "Yes" vote.[21]
  • Eugene Weekly said: "Even in Oregon, not all kids have access to the outdoors, and a week outside as part of a school program provides students with foundational skills to explore their world and gain an appreciation for it. After all, it’s up to our youngest generation to fix the planet — how will they want to save it if they never see it? This one gets a definite “yes” vote from EW."[22]
  • Pamplin Media Group said: “State-run gambling now funds education and state parks. So in that respect, Outdoor School — which creates an educational experience in a natural setting — is a good fit.”[23]
  • The Portland Mercury said, "But here’s the thing: You can teach kids all the natural science you want inside the classroom, but it’s no substitute for getting the firsthand knowledge that only being out in nature can provide. And smarter, more environmentally astute kids equal a more informed, better equipped workforce of the future. Vote “yes."[24]
  • Street Roots said: "The Outdoor School provides vital experiences for Oregon youths and reinforces statewide values around our environment and natural resources. It shouldn’t be taken for granted, and the opportunity should be available to all students, rich and poor, regardless of their school district."[25]
  • Willamette Week said: “But we think Outdoor School is an Oregon treasure that ought to be available to all schoolchildren for free for a full week. And right now in Oregon, many children aren't getting that, either because their school districts can't afford to send children for a full week or because their schools charge hefty fees.”[26]

Opposition

  • Corvallis Gazette-Times said: "We think the measure, despite its good intentions, would end up shortchanging the state's badly needed economic development efforts. We also are leery about claims from measure proponents that expanding Outdoor School opportunities would result in widespread economic development for rural Oregon."[27]
  • The Dalles Chronicle said: "The board unanimously opposed this measure because there are more practical needs for this funding."[28]
  • Mail Tribune said: "No one questions the value of outdoor school, an Oregon tradition for more than half a century. But this measure would also tap the lottery, taking up to $22 million of money that now goes to economic development. If outdoor school is more important than other programs, the Legislature should find funding for it outside the lottery."[29]
  • The Oregonian said: "But Measure 99, which would dedicate $22 million each year in Lottery dollars to pay for a week of Outdoor School for all the state's fifth- or sixth-graders, takes the wrong approach. Not only would the measure lay claim to dollars currently going to the State School Fund and economic development efforts, but it would send many of these dollars to wealthier districts that are already capably funding Outdoor School on their own."[30]

Polls

See also: 2016 ballot measure polls
  • An icitizen poll conducted in early September 2016 found support for Measure 99 around 69 percent.[31]
Oregon Outdoor School Lottery Fund, Measure 99 (2016)
Poll Support OpposeUndecidedMargin of errorSample size
icitizen
9/2/16 - 9/7/16
69.0%19.0%12.0%+/-4.00610
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to [email protected].

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing the initiative process in Oregon
  • The proposal was submitted by Christine Vernier and approved for circulation on January 22, 2016.[32]
  • A title was issued by the attorney general of Oregon's office on December 31, 2015.[32]
  • 88,184 valid signatures are required for qualification purposes.
  • Supporters had until July 8, 2016, to collect the required signatures.
  • Supporters said on June 30, 2016, that they had gathered the requisite number of signatures.[33]
  • Supporters submitted signatures on July 5, 2016.[34]
  • The Oregon secretary of state certified the measure for the November 8, 2016, ballot on July 25, 2016.[35]

Cost of signature collection:
Sponsors of the measure hired FieldWorks, LLC to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $595,599.54 was spent to collect the 88,184 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $6.75.

State profile

Demographic data for Oregon
 OregonU.S.
Total population:4,024,634316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):95,9883,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:85.1%73.6%
Black/African American:1.8%12.6%
Asian:4%5.1%
Native American:1.2%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.4%0.2%
Two or more:4.1%3%
Hispanic/Latino:12.3%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:89.8%86.7%
College graduation rate:30.8%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$51,243$53,889
Persons below poverty level:18.4%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Oregon.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

Presidential voting pattern

See also: Presidential voting trends in Oregon

Oregon voted for the Democratic candidate in all six presidential elections between 2000 and 2020.

Pivot Counties (2016)

Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, two are located in Oregon, accounting for 0.97 percent of the total pivot counties.[36]

Pivot Counties (2020)

In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Oregon had two Retained Pivot Counties, 1.10 of all Retained Pivot Counties.

More Oregon coverage on Ballotpedia

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Oregon 2016 Measure 99 Outdoor. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Related measures

See also: Lottery on the ballot
Lottery measures on the ballot in 2016
StateMeasures
OregonOregon Portion of Lottery Proceeds for Support of Veterans, Measure 96 Approveda

See also

External links

Basic information

Support

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Oregon Secretary of State, "Measure 99," accessed July 26, 2016
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Oregon Secretary of State, "2016 Voters' Pamphlet," accessed October 12, 2016
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  4. Portland City Club, "Measure 99," August 17, 2016
  5. 5.0 5.1 Oregon Legislature, "SB 439 B," accessed October 12, 2016
  6. Oregon Lottery, "Lottery Funds Distribution 2013-2015," accessed October 12, 2016
  7. Save Outdoor School for All, "Homepage," accessed October 12, 2016
  8. Statesman Journal, "Governor supports outdoor education ballot measure," August 9, 2016
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Save Outdoor School for All, "Partners," accessed October 12, 2016
  10. BigNewsNetwork, "Kaiser, Nike and other outdoor school proponents prepare for funding push," April 19, 2016
  11. Save Outdoor School for All, "The Measure," accessed October 12, 2016
  12. Bend Bulletin, "Letter: Every student deserves Outdoor School," October 2, 2016
  13. 13.0 13.1 The Register-Guard, "Outdoor education benefits kids — and economy," October 6, 2016
  14. KATU, "Group works to stem Outdoor School budget cuts, expand program," February 22, 2016
  15. Youtube, "Save Outdoor School for All," accessed October 12, 2016
  16. 16.0 16.1 Oregonian, "Oregonians should say 'no' to the Outdoor School initiative (OPINION)," May 27, 2016
  17. Tillamook County Pioneer, "Commentary: Why I’m voting ‘yes’ on Measure 97," October 5, 2016
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Oregon Secretary of State,"Yes on 99," accessed February 7, 2017
  19. Oregon Secretary of State, "Yes on 99," accessed February 7, 2017
  20. The East Oregonian, "Our view: We’ve got 99 problems but this measure ain’t one," September 21, 2016
  21. East Oregonian, "Our view: Endorsement overview," November 4, 2016
  22. Eugene Weekly, "Eugene Weekly's Election Endorsements," October 20, 2016
  23. Pamplin Media Group, "Our Opinion: Measures 98, 99 and 100 deserve support of voters," October 6, 2016
  24. The Portland Mercury, "Forcing the Issue: The Mercury’s 2016 Endorsements," October 19, 2016
  25. Street Roots, "Street Roots' 2016 endorsements: Ballot measures," October 20, 2016
  26. Willamette Week, "WW’s Fall 2016 Endorsements: State Measures," October 12, 2016
  27. Corvallis Gazette-Times, "Editorial: Outdoor School measure misses the mark," October 11, 2016
  28. The Dalles Chronicle, "Editorial: Mixed vote on state measures," October 29, 2016
  29. Mail Tribune, "Our View: Yes on 98, no on 96 and 99," October 5, 2016
  30. The Oregonian, "Narrow measures, wide impacts: Editorial Endorsements 2016," September 28, 2016
  31. Blue Mountain Eagle, "Poll: Support for Measure 97 erodes when voters hear pros/cons," September 12, 2016
  32. 32.0 32.1 Oregon Secretary of State, "Initiative number 67," accessed March 23, 2016
  33. KATU2, "Group to save Outdoor School says it has enough signatures for November ballot," June 30, 2016
  34. Oregon Secretary of State, "Initiative, referendum, and referral search," accessed July 8, 2016
  35. MyCentralOregon.com, "Save Outdoor School For All Measure Officially Qualifies for 2016 Ballot," accessed July 26, 2016
  36. The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.