06.22.07
Cowan leads House for community college funding
Newport News Times
State Rep. Jean Cowan (D-Newport) carried the operations budget for the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development Wednesday, leading the House of Representatives to approve a $511 million package for community colleges.
“Today marks what I hope is a major turning point for the future of Oregon’s community colleges,” said Cowan on the House floor. “Deep, hurtful appropriations shortfalls in prior sessions have left many of Oregon’s 17 community colleges reeling from loss. Today, that changes.”
The House of Representatives approved $500 million to the Community College Support Fund and $11 million for the agency. This budget prevents drastic cuts and tuition increases at most of the community colleges, including Oregon Coast Community College. OCCC will add to its nursing program and continue to expand its signature aquarium science program. Capital construction for Oregon’s community colleges will be voted on separately.
“This budget is a significant reinvestment in post secondary education that puts our community colleges on a path toward recovery,” said Cowan. “Our investment in community colleges allows us to produce a first-class workforce with family wage jobs and stimulate our local economy.”
The budget, contained in House Bill 5012, is a $17 million increase from the Governor’s proposal earlier this year and a $71 million, or 16.6-percent, increase from the 2005-2007 budget cycle. HB 5012 should allow community colleges to expand associate degree program completions by 18-percent over the next three years, and to expand the number of professional and technical degrees and certificates awarded by 19-percent over the same time period.
“Our community colleges are the front line of our higher education system and they provide a gateway to the economic security of all of our communities,” said Cowan. “We must start with House Bill 5012 and, in future sessions, work to provide stable and adequate funding to our community colleges.”
OCCC President Pat O’Connor said, “We appreciate Representative Cowan’s support in carrying this bill to the floor and highlighting the value of community colleges to the citizens of Oregon. This budget helps Oregon Coast Community College avoid drastic cuts and tuition increases in the upcoming year. It is a step in the right direction and will help our community college to begin recovering from years of insufficient funding.”
Cowan is serving in her first term as State Representative for House District 10 on the Central Oregon Coast. She is serving on the House Veteran Affairs Committee, on the House Human Services & Women’s Wellness Committee, and as Vice-Chair of the Joint Emergency Preparedness & Ocean Policy Committee. Cowan served as a Lincoln County Commissioner from 1993-2004 and mayor of Elgin for two terms.
