PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — State lawmakers in Salem are looking at shutting down the funding for the “Preschool for All” program in Multnomah County through a last-minute amendment to Senate Bill 106.

County voters in 2020 approved paying for it through a tax on high-income earners. The program is planning to serve almost 4,000 3- and 4-year-old children next fall.

Gov. Tina Kotek has called for a pause to the Preschool for All tax in Multnomah County, saying it discourages top earners from residing in Oregon’s most populated urban metro area.

Meanwhile, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has pushed back. She and other county commissioners rushed down to Salem for a hastily called information session scheduled by lawmakers to advocate for Preschool for All.

“So it is perplexing to me that this is being brought forward in the last days of session. There has been no public process, no public hearings and limited ways for us to hear from the thousands of voters who approve this measure,” Vega Pederson said.

Some lawmakers said they’re concerned there could be a duplication of services.

“The state is investing a lot of money in our Department of Early Learning and if we are duplicating those monies, and those monies are being wasted in certain communities, we may have to make different decisions,” said Oregon State Senator Mark Meek (D-Gladstone).

KOIN 6 News confirmed that the governor and the county chair have been meeting to discuss their differences. Governor Kotek wants a pause in the preschool program or the tax rate lowered, citing concerns about high-income earners leaving Portland.

There is currently an effort underway to block the program legislatively, with a proposed bill arguing the Preschool for All program doesn’t align with state standards and requirements. However, Kotek’s name is not connected to the piece of legislation.

It’s unclear whether the bill will move forward for a full vote. However, talks between Chair Vega Pederson and Governor Kotek are expected to continue.