Senate Passes Major Investment in Community Colleges and Financial Aid

Increased support will mean greater affordability and increased opportunity for Oregon students.

Oregon legislators are happy to help lose the reputation the state gained in recent years, as a laughingstock when it comes to funding higher ed. Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - During a busy weekend session, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 5012, the budget for Oregon’s community colleges, and House Bill 5044, the budget for the Oregon Student Assistance Commission.

Combined, both budgets will mean far greater access for Oregonians to college and will ensure more available classes and additional faculty resources.

“We are making a commitment with this budget to the great work our community colleges do in Oregon,” said Senator Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), carrier of House Bill 5012. “This budget will give more Oregonians the opportunity they deserve to improve their lives.”

House Bill 5012 dedicates $500 million to the Community College Support Fund, a 17 percent increase over Essential Budget Level. Additional funding will help colleges offer more classes and hold the line on sharp tuition increases that have occurred in recent years.

“Senate Bill 5012 provides a historic level of funding for community colleges,” said Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “Oregon community colleges provide a high quality affordable education, offering job training in both technical and professional fields as well as an affordable bridge to Oregon’s university system.”

The Oregon Student Assistance Commission is responsible for administering financial aid to Oregon students. The budget for the commission includes a 125 percent increase in funding for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the state’s main source of financial aid. The increase will help fund the Shared Responsibility Model, a new system that will make college affordable for low and middle-income Oregonians.

“This is an extraordinary investment for Oregonians who want to attend college,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene), carrier of House Bill 5044. “We are breaking new ground and reaching more Oregonians with this commitment to financial aid.”

“The Shared Responsibility Model is an innovative approach to funding financial aid,” said Senator Kurt Schrader (D-Canby). “Provided students are willing to work a small amount during college, this model guarantees them access to an affordable education.”

House Bill 5012 and House Bill 5044 will now move to the Governor’s desk for his signature.