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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Bill in Oregon Legislature aims to improve civics education

(Courtesy/Sue Luft)

The Oregon Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that concerns an area where politics and education meet. 

THE ISSUE: Americans’ basic understanding of how their government has declined in recent years.

THE BILL: Senate Bill 513

WHAT IT DOES: Requires every Oregon high school student to receive one semester of civics education before they graduate.

WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: The amount of civics education Oregon students receive is uneven across the state and depends on which district they attend classes in. 

HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:

Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: No

Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes

Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: Yes

Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes

Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Excused

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill will be considered by the House, where state Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, is a strong proponent of it.

-Jake Thomas