Education has frequently been identified as the great equalizer of society. With the proposed Oregon State budget for the next biennium, however, access to education will be significantly curtailed for an untold number of current and future students. The community colleges of the Oregon University System represent the first step for thousands of people attempting to gain a new foothold in our increasingly competitive workforce. Unfortunately, these schools are faced again with the prospect of cutting programs, staff and increasing tuition due to the woefully inadequate budget being supplied to them by our government. This effectively minimizes the number of people who will be able to take advantage of these institutions.
A recent study demonstrated that for every dollar invested toward the University of Oregon, the state economy received an estimated $20 return. No such study has been conducted for the state’s community colleges; undoubtedly these schools represent a similarly high return on government dollars, especially to the local economies in which they are situated. Education in our state needs to be comprehensive, competitive and available. The Oregon Legislature must work to secure a budget that provides ample funding for all aspects of the education system, ensuring access for all who seek further instruction.
Daniel Snyder
University student