SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — The Secretary of State’s Office has outlined the steps needed if Oregon lawmakers want the transportation funding referendum to be on the May ballot.

In a memo to lawmakers, the Secretary of State’s Office says if lawmakers pass a bill with an emergency clause to put the referendum up for vote, the governor needs to sign it by Feb. 25. After that, March 12 is the deadline for ballot title, financial estimates, the explanation of the measure, and arguments for and against it to be filed with the secretary of state.

Voting day is May 19.

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The legislative session opens Monday, Feb. 2, meaning lawmakers will need to move fast.

“We wanted them to have a clear understanding of what’s necessary for us and for our partners across the state, county elections offices to run a good election when the Legislature decides that they want that to happen,” Secretary of State Tobias Read said.

Leaders of the referendum originally intended for it to be voted on the November ballot. Their supporters are pushing back against a May vote. They are concerned about a lower voter turnout.

Democrats say they want to move the vote up so they can get clarity sooner on next steps needed to fund transportation.

According to the Oregon Department of Education (DOE), the class of 2025 saw the highest graduation rate ever, with 83% of students getting a diploma on time.

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Officials say that 1,546 more students graduated than last year’s class.

“Achieving proficiency in core skills and graduating from high school create future possibilities for every child to reach their full potential,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “I’m grateful to our educators whose hard work is showing progress in these positive trends.”

Officials say that previous record was 82.6%, set by the class of 2020.

“This graduating class shows what’s possible when students are supported and expectations are clear,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “Earning a diploma opens doors to college, careers, and opportunity, and today’s graduation rate reflects the hard work of Oregon’s students, families, educators, and communities. But it also reminds us that our work starts much earlier, with strong literacy, steady attendance, and the supports students need to stay on track from their first day of school to their last.”

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According to the Department of Education, students who complete two credits in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study graduated at a rate of 97.8%, which is a record. That rate is 15.8% higher than the statewide average.

The Department of Education provided the following data showing other student groups and their graduation rates:

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 74.0% (up 3.9 percentage points)
• Students in Special Education: 72.2% (up 3.4 points)
• Students In Foster Care: 54.4% (up 3.4 percentage points)
• Students Experiencing Poverty: 71.3% (up 2.2 percentage points)
• English Learners, Anytime in High School: 69.8% (up 1.8 points)
• English Learners, Exited Prior to High School: 89.5% (up 1.7 points)
• Students experiencing houselessness, 62.5%: (up 1.2 percentage points)
• Hispanic/Latino Students: 79.9% (up 1.1 percentage points)

You can read the full report and see the previous years studies on the ODE website.