On Tuesday, early childhood advocates gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for a “Vote No on Senate Bill 5514 Day of Action” and press conference.
Early childhood advocates wave signs at the Oregon State Capitol for Vote no on SB 5514 Day of Action (Photo: Celeste Yager-Kandle)
Organized by Child Care for Oregon, the event brought together parents, early learning providers, and Early Childhood Coalition partners to oppose the budget for the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Advocates urged legislators to reject the cuts and prioritize children in the state budget.
If passed, Senate Bill 5514 would cut $45 million from early learning and care programs that support thousands of young children, including Preschool Promise, home visiting services, and support for first-time parents.
Speakers at the press conference emphasized that the bill would have long-term consequences for Oregon’s children and families.
“Senate Bill 5514 reduces access to life-changing programs,” said Candice Williams, executive director of Family Forward. “Budget cuts to the Department of Early Learning and Care will have lasting, negative repercussions for families all across our state.”
Building on that message, Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute, implored state leaders to center children in their decisions.
“We have the moral courage to invest in and protect the most vulnerable, the most marginalized among us, our young children,” she said. “It’s not too late to make that decision, we’re here today to ask that you do just that.”
From left: Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute and Candice Williams, executive director of Family Forward stand together at Willson Park, near the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for the Vote No on SB 5514 Day of Action
This impact was brought to life by one parent, Alexandra Steward, who shared that Preschool Promise has been transformative for her family, ensuring that her son has access to preschool and early intervention services. Through the program, she has been able to make choices that best support his unique needs.
“Preschool Promise enabled my son to get the help he needs to learn and thrive with disabilities and allowed us as a family to pursue other goals that make us stronger as a family and a community,” she said. “Healthy, happy kids are a direct investment in the future.”
State Senators Lisa Reynolds (D– Portland) and Dick Anderson (R– Lincoln City) attended the press conference to voice their support. Senator Reynolds, a pediatrician, emphasized that Oregon must prioritize investments in young children and families.
“When we invest in our families, the higher the return on the investment,” said Rep. Reynolds. “These early investments can mitigate the toxic stress of childhood poverty, they can interrupt cycles, and they can send five-year-olds to kindergarten who are ready to learn.”
Senator Lisa Reynolds
Senator Dick Anderson
What’s Next?
Senate Bill 5514 is scheduled for a vote on Monday, June 16, 2025 on the Senate floor. If passed, it will cut $45 million from early learning and care programs that provide essential support to thousands of Oregon children and will:
- Eliminate Preschool Promise access for 640 children
- Cut culturally specific early learning programs for 970 families
- Remove Healthy Families Oregon home visiting support for 176 families
- Freeze pay and reduce benefits for early educators already earning far less than K–12 teachers
- Reduce funding for parenting education and professional development
Oregon lawmakers face challenging budget decisions, driven largely by federal funding constraints. But they have the power to make the right choices—if they hear from you. Even in these difficult times, advocates are calling on legislators to prioritize investments in children that prevent future crises and support healthy development.
Take Action!
Contact your legislators by phone, text, email, or letter and tell them to vote no on Senate Bill 5514!