Oregon Democrats are crowing about making attending college easier and more affordable for Oregonians, but the reality may be that more funding creates more unfairness. And while getting a college education may mean more opportunities for some, it may mean more opportunities for failure for others.

In a recent press release, the Democratic Legislative offices said, "With many Oregon college and university students returning to school, Democrats today are reflecting on the 2023 legislative session’s higher education investments. Democrats passed critical legislation that will make it easier for low-income and historically underserved Oregonians to pursue higher education through financial support, including tuition relief and grant opportunities. With these investments, legislators are working to ensure more Oregon students have greater career opportunities and high paying jobs out of college."

"Education — from early learning, to K-12, to higher education and vocational training -- is the best way people can improve their lives and the lives of their families," said Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego). "I am proud the Legislature is stepping up to meet our obligation as a state to see that our education system is accessible by all and prepares our students for their futures."

“This is how we make sure Oregon’s economy stays competitive in the 21st century and help students gain the skills they need for good paying jobs without having to go into crippling debt,” said Representative Ricki Ruiz (D - Gresham), vice chair of the House Committee on Higher Education.

These efforts complement the Legislature's historic funding for K-12 classrooms and child care services for toddlers and infants signed into law last week by Governor Tina Kotek. Oregon’s Higher Education Opportunity Budget invests more than $3.7 billion responding to the college affordability crisis. It includes:

• More than $300 million for the Oregon Opportunity Grant;
• $24.2 million to continue the successful Tribal Student Grant program;
• $800 million for the Community College Support Fund; and
• $1 billion for the Public University Support Fund.

Many analysts say that Oregon is using taxpayer money -- potentially from taxpayers who never had the opportunity themselves to attend college -- to provide opportunity for students who failed to achieve enough academically in public schools to be able to succeed at college. They say that Oregon Public Colleges are too focused on "junk" degrees and not on knowledge that is useful for creating wealth in the real world.

Even as the legislature pumps more and more money into higher education, tuition rates have outpaced inflation. According to analysts, part of this unsustainable upward tuition spiral is caused by the legislature increasing funding for higher education. Simply put, if you are able to pay more for something, suppliers will charge more, and this is what is happening. $1 billion was allocated for the Public University Support Fund, supporting university operational expenses -- according to the release -- "with the goal of making sure students have what they need to get through school."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-09-29 12:54:36

Last Update: 2023-09-29 15:42:09