Time is getting short in the legislative session, but there are a lot of decisions left to be made. So, we wanted to give you a quick update and make a request.
As you know, our primary objective is to return to the $755 million higher education funding level that we had in 2007. That would represent a big step in the right direction for Oregon State University and the rest of the state’s public universities.
The state budget proposal released earlier this year set a $670 million funding level that would leave us $85 million short of our goal.
In addition, OSU statewide programs have not received a funding increase in well over a decade. This year we are asking the Legislature to allocate an additional $16 million to extend research and other programs to communities throughout the state.
Finally, we need to ensure state support for two major construction projects at OSU’s College of Forestry and Hatfield Marine Sciences Center.
Fortunately, last week state economists forecast that tax revenues will be stronger than previously anticipated. This means there will be an additional $463 million in the state’s general fund after money is returned to individual taxpayers under the kicker law.
The Legislature has already committed $105 million of this additional money to K-12 public schools, leaving $358 million available. There is a furious debate underway about how to invest this money.
Can you take a minute to remind your legislators about the importance of investing in higher education? Click here to quickly and easily craft a message that will be sent to your State Senator and State Representative.
This will only take a minute, but it will make a huge difference.
Thank you, and Go Beavs!
