These funds also support the hospital and clinics. OHSU is included in the Education Program Area since the expenditures are most closely related to education activities. The Department of Administrative Services distributes the funds. The budget recognizes that society's best investment is in educating its citizens. It makes critical investments in quality schools and improved access to education.
Funding is enhanced for engineering, computer science, and biotechnology programs.
Half of this funding comes from tobacco settlement funds. The other half comes from a reduction in the State School Fund, and redirects the funding to these new investments. As additional General Fund or Lottery resources become available the Governor plans to reduce the amount of tobacco settlement funds dedicated to schools. The budget makes a number of enhancements to increase capacity in the Department of Education and to increase grants to schools for specific issues. Oregon pre-kindergarten services will be expanded.