‘Not working': Gov. Kotek responds to criticism over attempt to ditch Preschool for All
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gov. Tina Kotek has this week for advocating to get rid of Multnomah County's Preschool for All funding as the county chair criticizes the governor's stance and families rally to save the initiative.
But Kotek said 'the program is not working' after Senate Bill 106 — which could have put a stop to the county's tax on high-income earners — .
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'Kids that should be eligible are not getting a seat in the classroom. The economic landscape has changed since the passage of the measure that set the program in motion, and we must plan ahead with a more accurate picture of where we actually stand today,' she said in a statement on Thursday.
The governor previously said she had concerns about the tax paying for free preschool, claiming it is driving high-income earners out of Portland. Preschool for All is funded by a personal income tax on Multnomah County individuals with a taxable income over $125,000 and joint filers with a taxable income of over $200,000.
In a letter to Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Kotek said there has been a drop of more 1,700 high-earning taxpayers in Multnomah County since the tax kicked in in 2021.
In response, and do not reflect the city's work to follow up with other potential taxpayers. She urged legislators not to cut off the county's funding source.
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On Wednesday, Sen. Mark Meek's chief of staff told KOIN 6, 'I can confirm the bill is not moving forward this session. The senator looks forward to continuing these conversations during the interim.'
Gov. Kotek's latest statement can be read below:
'Oregon families face uncertain childcare and preschool options, whether because it is more than they can afford every month, it is hard to find, or both. Bottomline, families deserve better – especially those who do not have money to spare. My entire career, as a nonprofit advocate and then as an elected leader, has been about finding solutions to help families get ahead. Frankly, Oregon needs a statewide plan to improve access to affordable childcare and preschool across the state.
'Multnomah County's Preschool For All program is well intended and works for many families. It represents hope, possibility, and opportunity, for families and for children. I get that — and will fight for the goal and the smart governance it takes to achieve that goal.
'But for many families and the community at large, the program is not working. Kids that should be eligible are not getting a seat in the classroom. The economic landscape has changed since the passage of the measure that set the program in motion, and we must plan ahead with a more accurate picture of where we actually stand today. When you are elected and given authority over tax collection and budgets, it comes with the responsibility of adapting to the evolving needs of the people you serve. It comes with measuring outcomes against every penny you spend. Right now, the scales are out of balance.
'From the beginning of my discussions with the County Chair, my north star has been the sustainability of the program because one of the reasons I ran for Governor was to make things better for our youngest learners. The program as it stands cannot fulfill its promise to Oregon children. It is breaking beneath its own weight, with at least $485 million in unspent funds combined with spotty implementation, scope creep, and a line of providers waiting on the other side of stacks of paperwork to serve families while tax dollars continue to be collected. As of 2025, only 11% of potential licensed sites are participating, while others are left waiting to participate or opting out.
'I believe we need targeted changes to make sure the program and its supporting taxes are sustainable, serve more families, and keep childcare providers from closing their doors and get more slots up and running. The County Chair has committed verbally to moving in that direction. Changes can and should be made while making sure not a single child currently being served by Preschool For All loses their seat in a classroom.
'I stand firm in my position that the County must walk and chew gum at the same time – continue to serve the children it is serving, amend the tax, and fix the program before the next tax year to reduce the burden on Multnomah County residents. This may come as a surprise, but this desire comes from a position of optimism, not cynicism — that complex problems can be solved, that we can serve children and build prosperity at the same time.'
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek
In response, Chair Vega Pederson shared the following statement with KOIN 6 News:
'It's disappointing that the Governor is doubling down on undercutting a program that is successfully serving thousands of young children, building a much-needed early education workforce and allowing thousands of parents to participate in our wider workforce in the largest county in our state, as a means to push for drastic cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers.
We have seen a massive community response by people outraged by these attempts to dismantle PFA at the state level – over 70,000 letters have been sent to the Governor and local leaders. Parents, teachers, and community have been loud and clear: Hands off Preschool for All. My hope is that the Governor would listen to these advocates, families, voters, a growing number of state legislators and other elected officials. The next steps we take on Preschool for All will include the Board of County Commissioners and the community, as any policy should, especially one passed by 64% of Multnomah County voters.
There absolutely should be a statewide program serving all Oregon children. Until that day, state leaders need to focus on their own efforts to fully fund and support the early childhood education programs they already have. A successful program in Multnomah County helps light the way for the rest of our state. Children and families in our community should not be asked to wait to have quality preschool until some uncertain future day when there is a statewide plan.'
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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