SALEM, Ore. - A legislative session known for its lack of drama is ending on a fiery note. Oregon lawmakers are hotly debating a raft of education bills aimed at overhauling Oregon's education system.
The bill that got the house tied up in the first place would expand enrollment in online charter schools. Supporters say virtual schools, as they're known, give students more subject options.
But opponents worry for-profit schools would receive tax dollars at the expense of public schools.
The Oregon House initially rejected the measure in a 30-30 tie, but supporters were able to bring it back. The second time it passed.
Brian Clem is one of three Democrats who changed his vote on the virtual schools bill. He says he was...
"Acknowledging that parents like them. They want these things to exist. Their kids like them."
Clem continued, "But the question is how do you get comfortable with it when it's a new technology and a lot of people haven't been in school in the building for like 50 years."
Clem says Republican colleagues have assured him that next year lawmakers will revisit how Oregon governs online charter schools.
On the Web:
Oregon 'virtual schools' bill:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/11reg/measpdf/hb2500.dir/hb2581.intro.pdf
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
