Legislators need to protect education
In the near future, Oregon’s legislature will go into special session and make decisions with dangerous repercussions to post-secondary education.
The Student Childcare Block Grant (SCBG) and the Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) are in danger. Along with the SCBG and the OOG, the Community College System and the Oregon University System budgets are in peril as well.
Beginning in April, 433 student families will lose coverage until the fall of 2003 with the proposed $2 million funding cut. Along with the numerous student families, 1,500 to 3,000 students will lose their Oregon Opportunity Grants. These grants are the difference between attending college or not attending for many students.
During an economic recession, it is vitally important to fund education. Oregonians look towards community colleges and universities to gain the skills and education required for today’s job market. It is imperative that state legislators prioritize these programs.
Mike Martell
freshman
pre-business administration
Eugene needs housing code
Housing in the city of Eugene is a prevailing issue that effects all University students, staff and faculty — not to mention other residents of Eugene. Currently, there is no housing code to protect renters or landlords in Eugene. Eugene is also the largest city on the west coast without the protection and guidance of a housing code. Eugene only operates off the Oregon State Landlord and Tenant Act. This state code was written with the intent that each city would draft its own code that would adequately apply to the individual city.
Between 1966 and 1983, Eugene had a code that gave specifics about heating, ventilation, general plumbing, weather protection, dilapidation and maintenance. After 1983, the code was repealed due to cost savings, high vacancy rates, inconsistent reinforcement and the state’s Landlord and Tenant Act, which provided regulations to
protect tenants.
The lack of a current, fair and reliable housing code affects students who rent their residence in the city of Eugene. There is no concrete set of standards keeping houses and neighborhoods safe, sanitary and livable. A housing code needs to be in place, and the Eugene City Council must listen to the complaints of renters as well as landlords.
A housing code in Eugene would provide both protection and a legal outlet for renters and landlords. This resource would allow renters to voice their complaints on any housing and neighborhood issues — concerns that are often said, but not heard.
Amy Samuel
sophomore
biology