Multnomah County Commissioners Propose New Cuts to Save School Mental Health, Homeless Services

Multnomah County commissioners propose new cuts to save school mental health, homeless services

Members of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners have proposed a slew of amendments to Chair Jessica Vega Pederson’s $4 billion budget in an effort to save staff positions and popular programs currently on the chopping block.

Chair Vega Pederson proposes 'critical' budget amendment to fund school-based mental health care

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Multnomah County leaders are making changes to the proposed $4 billion budget to prioritize mental health in schools. Initially, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson's budget eliminated money that would pay for four, full-time mental health consultants at local schools. Now, she's co-sponsoring an amendment by Commissioner Julia-Brim Edwards to save those positions by restoring nearly $700,000 in funding. "I appr…