OSEA members filled the 2023 Legislative Session with our personal stories from the front lines of education. From Pendleton to Coos Bay, Roseburg to Tillamook, OSEA members showed up to advocate for Oregon education workers, students and communities. Together, we backed policies that will transform our working conditions. We fought hard for one another. There is no doubt we made a lasting impact this session that will be felt for years to come.
Our 2023 legislative priorities — recommended by the Government Relations Committee and approved by the Board of Directors — focused on three key ways to improve the lives of education employees: championing workers’ basic rights, supporting special education staff and fully funding our schools and education programs.
As union members, we know we can do more together. We are proud to work with the legislative champions and labor partners outlined in this report to achieve our legislative goals.
Most of all, we are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow OSEA members. We showed up. We spoke up. And the wins you see outlined in this report are truly thanks to our collective efforts. Thank you to every member who attended Legislative Education Day (LED), spoke to lawmakers, testified, shared your stories or took part in our legislative advocacy in any other way. Together, we proved that when we are united, there is no limit to what OSEA members can accomplish.
Sarah Wofford, OSEA President
Misty Talerico, 2022-23 Government Relations Committee Chair