The legislature has completed two and half weeks at a quick pace. This update provides a progress report on some of the key bills and activities important to OSU and higher education.
Category Archives: State Relations
Students, Faculty, Staff, and Presidents Call for Increased Funding for Public Universities
Students, Faculty, Staff, and Presidents Call for Increased Funding for Public Universities
In a letter to legislative leaders, students, faculty, staff, and presidents of the public universities called for at least another $100 million in state investments from the level proposed last month by Governor Kate Brown.
Our unified funding request highlights and supports the following reality: To keep tuition increases below five percent at most universities, and also preserve most financial aid and student support services, state investment in the Public University Support Fund (PUSF) will need to increase by at least $100 million above the Governor’s Budget—in the 2017-19 biennium.
You can find a copy of the letter on the OSU Government Relations website and coverage of the accompanying press release in The Oregonian.
Budget Update: Capital Budget & OSU-Cascades
Yesterday’s update regarding the Governor’s recommended capital budget had a couple of glitches and should have included a broader discussion regarding the OSU-Cascades project.
Governor Brown releases her recommended budget for the 2017-19 biennium
Governor Brown issued her recommended budget (GRB) for the 2017-19 biennium yesterday. Facing a projected state budget shortfall of at least $1.4 billion compounded by rising personnel and health care costs, the GRB includes many difficult decisions. This update provides a summary of the major elements affecting higher education in Oregon. To review the entire budget document: http://www.oregon.gov/das/Financial/Documents/2017-19_gb.pdf
Election Recap
Here is a brief review of Tuesday’s election and its implications for higher education in Oregon as we approach the 2017 legislative session.
June 2016 Update
The 2016 General Election
What happens during the 2017 legislative session will depend on how voters consider a number of measures that will likely be on the November ballot. Most noteworthy of these is IP-28, which would create a state corporate receipts tax. Proponents of the measure claim it will create revenues needed to balance the budget and improve services. Opponents claim the measure will create an unfair and unbalanced state tax structure that will place Oregon businesses in an unfavorable position. The Legislative Revenue Office presented an analysis of the measure to the House and Senate Revenue Committees last month. Proponents of the measure rebutted the analysis in a recent editorial in the Oregonian. (As a public entity, OSU does not take positions on ballot measures.)
May Committee Days
Throughout the year, legislative committees meet on a quarterly basis. Following the February 2016 short session, committees met in May. While a number of committees and task forces will meet occasionally over the summer, the next formal committee session is scheduled for the week of September 19th. Here are some highlights from the committee sessions in May:
- Upon the favorable recommendation of the Senate Rules & Executive Appointments Committee, the full Senate confirmed Governor Brown’s appointment of two new members to the OSU Board of Trustees: OSU Engineering Professor Mike Bailey, past president of the OSU Faculty Senate (filling the position of faculty trustee) and Nike executive and OSU alum Julia Brim Edwards.
- The House and Senate Committees on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness met jointly and considered possible changes in a 2015 bill that called for priority registration for veterans at Oregon’s seven public universities. Working with campus veterans groups, representatives from the seven universities plan to develop recommendations for addressing a variety of veterans-related issues and report back to the committees when they meet in September.
- Governor Kate Brown met with members of the OSU Women’s Basketball team, congratulating them on their historic 2015-16 Final Four season. Senate President Peter Courtney welcomed the team to the Senate chambers. You can see pictures from this visit on the Governor’s Twitter page and the Oregon State Women’s Basketball Facebook page.
Significant Policy and Budget Issues for the 2017-19 Biennium
Over the coming months, our efforts will be aimed at ensuring that legislators, the Governor, and stakeholders are aware of the dividends that have resulted from investments made in higher education during the 2015 legislative session. In preparation for the 2017 session, we will be highlighting how state bonds for campus capital projects and budget increases for student success initiatives and the OSU statewide public service programs (Extension, Agricultural Experiment Station, and Forest Research Laboratory) have significantly improved OSU’s ability to serve Oregonians.
These efforts will be aimed at making the case for continuing investments needed to maintain the level of student success and economic well-being that have resulted from our work during the 2015 legislative session. Here is a summary of seven significant initiatives and policy issues we will be pursuing over the coming months:
- Maintaining Operating Expenditures: All seven public universities are working together to achieve at least a $100 million (15%) increase in operating funds. This would enable universities to keep tuition increases below 5% and also preserve current financial aid and student support services. In April the seven public university presidents sent a letter to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) seeking increased funding along these lines. http://oregonstate.edu/government/sites/default/files/consolidatedfundingrequest2017-19.pdf
- Securing New and Renewed Capital for All Seven Universities: All seven presidents have also joined together in supporting $284 million in capital funding for the 2017-19 biennium. At OSU, these projects involve significant capital renewal funds for existing buildings, investments in OSU-Cascades, and a quality food and beverage initiative. http://oregonstate.edu/government/sites/default/files/consolidatedcapitalrequest2017-19.pdf
- Expanding OSU-Cascades: OSU is developing and implementing a strategy for financing the long-term capital expansion of OSU-Cascades. Currently, the state maintains a distinct funding stream for OSU-Cascades operations. We are seeking similar treatment for capital funds in order to achieve the state goal of creating a four-year campus in Central Oregon. While advocating for OSU-Cascades, we have sought to be clear that the state’s decision to establish an eighth campus in Central Oregon should not come at the expense of the existing seven public university campuses in Oregon.
- Maintaining the OSU Statewides: In 2015, the legislature allocated a $14 million increase for the OSU Statewide Public Service Programs (Extension, Agricultural Experiment Station and Forest Research Laboratory). This level of funding needs to be maintained with an appropriate “continuing service level” increase in 2017.
- Improving the Implementation of State Financial Aid Programs: All seven universities are working together to address and resolve significant shifts in financial aid resources that have occurred over the last year. In particular, we are working to understand how state investments in the Oregon Promise program (“free community college”) and changes in the Oregon Opportunity Grant program may affect state funding for low-income students who attend four-year universities.
- Investing in State Economic Development Programs: The research universities are working together to develop and implement a state Economic Development and Research Budget Strategy. These efforts may include investments in inter-connectivity among and between campuses and a re-vamping of the state’s Innovation Council.
- Continuing the Seven Public University Alliance: All seven universities are working together to be responsive and proactive on a wide variety of intricate policy issues likely to present themselves prior to and during the 2017 legislative session.
March 8 Filing Deadline shows turnover in the Oregon House and a fairly static Senate
Tuesday, March 8th was the deadline for legislative candidates to file for the 2016 elections. A review of the filings, indicates that the 2017 session will include a high degree of turnover in the Oregon House and a relatively static Senate.
House Turnover: A total of 14 representatives will be retiring or seeking higher office. While 23% turnover is fairly typical from session to session, most notable is the departure of ten Democrats, including four who come from potential “swing” districts that have elected Republicans at some time in the past three election cycles. While redistricting has changed the party composition of these districts, the open-seat races below involve blue districts that could switch to red:
- District 22 (Salem, Woodburn, Gervais, Brooks), currently held by Betty Komp (D). Republican Marion County Commissioner and former state legislator Patty Milne will face Democrat Woodburn City Councilmember Teresa Leon, who also works for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
- District 30 (Hillsboro, North Plains), currently held by Joe Gallegos (D) who announced his retirement on filing day. The Republican candidate is Dan Mason, who ran unsuccessfully for both this district in 2014 and for House District 34 (Beaverton) in 2012. He is currently a community manager with Prime Group, a residential real estate firm. Democrat contender Janeen Sollman is a Hillsboro school board member.
- District 40 (Gladstone, Johnson City), currently held by Brent Barton (D). The Republican Candidate is Evon Tekorius, an Oregon City School Board member and business manager with a fire-investigation firm she started with her husband in 2003. Three Democrats are vying for the seat in the May primary, including Mark Meek, a realtor and Air Force veteran who serves on the Clackamas County Planning Commission; Terry Gibson, a Marylhurst adjunct instructor who serves on the Oak Lodge Sanitary District and Schoolyard Farms Board; and attorney and Army veteran Steven Cade, whose practice involves civil rights and disability claims.
- District 51 (SE Portland, Clackamas, Damascus, Boring, Estacada), currently held by Shemia Fagan (D) who announced her retirement as the filing deadline neared. The Republican candidate is Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a long time Happy Valley City Council member who is currently serving as Mayor of Happy Valley. Two Democrats will be vying against each other in the May primary: Janelle Bynum, a Happy Valley McDonald’s franchisee supported by Fagan; and Randy Shannon, a Damascus City Councilor.
Other races to watch in the Oregon House include:
- District 20 (West Salem, Monmouth, Independence), where first-term Democrat Paul Evans is seeking to hold on to a seat the Democrats wrested from Republican hands in the 2014 election. Evans will face Republican Laura Morett, whose participation in the CBS series Survivor is highlighted in her campaign biography.
- District 26 (Wilsonville, Sherwood, Gaston), a seat being vacated by Republican John Davis, that includes three Republicans and two Democrats vying against each other in the May primary. Republican candidates include John Boylston, Richard Vial, and embattled former Republican legislator Matt Wingard.
Senate Races: Fifteen of the 30 seats in the Senate are up for re-election in 2016, including seven seats currently held by Republicans and eight seats held by Democrats. Three seats are open due to Senators choosing to retire, but only one of the open seats is contested in the May primary, and all three of the seats are currently uncontested in the November general election. Open Senate seats include:
- District 21 (Milwaukee, Portland), a seat being vacated by Diane Rosenbaum (D). Three Democrats are vying in the primary to succeed Rosenbaum, including Rep. Kathleen Taylor, OSU alumna Kathleen O‘Brien, and John Sweeney.
- District 22 (NE Portland), where Lew Frederick (D) faces no primary or general election opponents to succeed Sen. Chip Shields (D) who is retiring.
- District 28 (Klamath Falls), where Doug Whitsett’s (R) last minute withdrawal from the race enabled a concurrent last-minute filing by Dennis Linthicum, a Klamath County Commissioner to run unopposed in the primary and general election contests. Whitsett’s decision came as a surprise to Rep. Mike McLane (R) who could have filed for that seat.
For a review of the last minute filing process see and the reactions it has created, check the Bend Bulletin.
2016 Legislative Session: In Review
Lawmakers approached the February short session with a fundamental disagreement over what issues are appropriate for resolution in just 35 days. For this session, leadership sought to reduce the load by allowing each legislator to introduce only two bills. Nevertheless, legislators faced a wide range of well over 200 bills and a highly charged, divisive atmosphere. Although the deadlines for passing bills came quickly, the process by which bills were considered by the House and Senate slowed to a crawl when Republicans refused to vote for a “suspension of the rules” – resulting in the requirement that the entirety of all bills be read aloud when they were considered on the floor. (With the average reading time for bills at between three to four minutes per page, many bills took much longer to read than to debate and vote.)
One reason for the legislative divisiveness is the state’s initiative and referendum process, which this year presented legislators with two measures that were making their way to the November 2016 general election ballot. One, known as “IP 28”, would create a state gross receipts tax. The other would establish a statewide minimum wage. Legislative leaders had roughly four weeks to devise alternatives they believed would be preferable to the measures currently being circulated for signatures.
Opponents to the minimum wage increase contended that they would prefer to take the risk of losing at the ballot box, rather than accepting a more flexible alternative designed by legislators. On a generally party line vote legislators devised – and the Governor signed – a minimum wage compromise that ultimately caused petition backers to withdraw their proposal.
But given the state’s 3/5 majority requirement for passing revenue increases in the legislature, lawmakers faced little opportunity for forging a compromise tax package intended to head off IP 28. The corporate tax measure promises to be an expensive battle during the November general election.
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Here is a summary of the measures considered during the 2016 legislative session that affected Oregon’s seven public universities.
A. Unified Priorities across all Seven Universities
As with the 2015 legislative session, Oregon’s seven public universities worked together on a unified agenda. While additional funding was not forthcoming, the universities presented themselves as a unified force and generated one of the most active lobbying days during the short session.
College Completion Initiative: $15 Million to continue the education agenda. During the 2015 session, the legislature provided $700 million for Oregon’s public universities in response to a unified campaign for $755 million. The universities approached the 2016 session with hopes of additional funding targeted to address immediate and near term factors that impede student completion.
Result: The legislature did not provide any additional funding for university operating budgets.
Renewal of the University Venture Development Fund (UVDF) Tax Credit (HB 4072). First enacted in 2005, this tax credit encourages individuals to donate to Oregon’s public universities, including OHSU, to help convert university research into new companies and products. Over the last decade, universities have raised some $7 million, resulting in the formation of dozens of new companies that have created approximately 270 high wage jobs. Over the last five years, jobs created by UVDF support have generated a total of $4.35 million in income tax revenues.
The legislature did not renew the tax credit during the 2015 session and the credit expired at the end of 2015. In an effort to renew the credit so that donors could continue to participate in the program during the 2016 tax year, Reps. Andy Olson (R-Albany) and Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) worked with the seven public universities and OHSU to introduce legislation that renewed the program at the historic level – $8.4 million in tax credits. (The 2015 legislation sought to nearly double the credit cap to $15 million.) HB 4072 also included provisions that simplify and facilitate the timing and process by which donors can use the credits.
Result: With only one legislator voting “no” throughout the entire process, the legislature renewed the UVDF intact, enabling universities to use approximately $4 million in additional tax capacity – the full $8.4 million tax credit created in 2005.
Constitutional Ballot referral to enable universities to invest in equities (HJR 203). When the legislature passed the original bill that established university governing boards in 2013 it included a provision that enabled universities to invest their funds in equities (stocks). The intention was to provide universities with more investment options that could result in both higher yields and greater stability. Subsequent legal opinions indicated that the state constitution has to be amended to extend this opportunity to the universities, so they sought a legislative ballot referral to put the matter on the November 2016 ballot.
Result: HJR 203 passed the legislature and will be on the November 2016 General Election ballot. Passage of this measure will likely involve an effort to inform voters of the measure’s intent and impact.
An equitable approach for developing the 2017-19 Budget. Legislation that established universities as independent public entities resulted in state budget writers calculating future budgets that do not include an accurate calculation of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and public employee health insurance – Public Employee Benefit Board (PEBB) costs. This resulted in the determination during the 2015 legislative session that in order to provide the same level of services in the 2015-17 biennium – the “Continuing Service Level (CSL) –a 3.3% increase was all that would be needed. Because current statutes require the universities to cover these costs, an accurate calculation of PERS and PEBB costs for the current biennium would have involved at least an 8% CSL increase. The seven public universities sought budget note language during the 2016 session to direct the Governor to consider an appropriate CSL when compiling a budget for the 2017-19 biennium.
Result: In adopting SB 5701, the legislature adopted the following budget note:
The Subcommittee recognizes that the Current Service Level (CSL) is intended to estimate the cost of legislatively approved programs in the upcoming biennium. In 2009, the Joint Committee on Way and Means approved the adoption of a CSL model for the Community College Support Fund (CCSF) to reflect health benefit and retirement costs expected to exceed the Department of Administrative Services standard inflation rate.
To ensure consistency in post-secondary state support CSL calculations, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) are directed to develop, in consultation with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the seven public universities, an estimated cost of applying the Community College Support Fund model to the Public University Support Fund, the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Extension Service, the Forest Research Laboratory, and Public University State Programs. The estimate will include data elements that the public universities will be required to submit to HECC in order to implement the model.
DAS and LFO will provide the estimated cost to implement the Community College Support Fund CSL model for Public University state support to the Emergency Board, through the Legislative Fiscal Office, by July 1, 2016
Universities will continue to seek provisions for state settlements on labor contracts to also be considered in the CSL. (Community Colleges are not subject to state labor negotiations.)
Individual University Capital Requests. A number of universities sought specific capital requests to address emergency or unanticipated needs or to shift already approved capital expenditures to other projects. (OSU had no projects on this list.)
Result: The legislature funded the five capital projects sought by OIT, PSU, and SOU.
B. OSU Specific Legislation
State Matching funds for a Federal Marine Energy Grant. In December Congress appropriated $5 million to the US Department of Energy to fund a competitive grant to further develop a wave energy test facility. This initial funding could grow over the next 3 to 5 years to a federal investment totaling of $40 million, with the expectation that successful competitors for the grant will provide at least a 25% match, or $10 million. The total project—federal and non-federal funds—is expected to be $50 million. Oregon will be competing with other states that are developing their own matching proposals for this long-term funding opportunity. The Coastal Caucus and other legislators sought an appropriation for the first installment of $1.25 million in state matching funds to enable OSU to compete for the initial $5 million in federal funding.
Result: With the passage of SB 5701, the legislature provided $800,000 to enable OSU to compete for the $5 million DOE grant. It is not clear whether or how OSU will address the additional $450,000 needed to fully meet the 25% match requirement.
Economic Development Investments for the 2021 International Track Championships (HB 4146). Last year Tracktown USA successfully bid to host the 2021 International Track Championships. The Governor worked with a coalition of supporters, including OSU to seek an increase in the statewide lodging tax to enable funding for the infrastructure needs for this event. OSU’s track facility is well positioned to serve as a training venue. It remains to be determined what funding may be available in 2017 to match philanthropic opportunities for the OSU track.
Result: After a process that considered alternative rate increases and implementation periods, the legislature approved a 0.8% increase in the statewide lodging tax.
C. Additional actions
ALS Endowment: Included in the final budget bill was a one-time $100,000 allocation that will enable the OSU Foundation to create and manage an endowment to provide scholarships for OSU students involved in research addressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The funding is in honor of State Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) who was recently diagnosed with ALS.
Endophyte Research: Endophytes are fungi found in grass stubble used as animal feed. The issue is important to the grass seed industry which, with the implementation of field burning bans, now exports grass stubble as animal feed. SB 5701 appropriated $100,000 for endophyte research to be matched by private dollars. “These funds are to be used only for endophyte research in support of Oregon’s fiber and straw export industry. A report to the Legislative Fiscal Office on how the funds were used in support of endophyte research and what was made possible by this additional influx of funds should be made by December 31, 2016.”
D. Other Higher Education Bills that Passed
SB 1540 Calls on the HECC and universities to determine the best method of increasing number of mathematics majors at Oregon universities.
SB 1558 Limits disclosure of records of college or university student health center, mental health center or counseling center, or records of health professional retained by college or university.
SB 1586 Requires universities to undertake a number of activities to encourage students to register to vote.
HB 4019 Requires universities to provide in-state tuition to dependents of Oregon residents who leave the state to serve in public service organizations.
HB 4021 Directs the State Treasurer to study possible refinancing mechanisms for student loans.
E. Increasing the Minimum Wage (SB 1532)
Governor Brown and Democratic leaders devised a phased-in minimum wage proposal that would pre-empt the November ballot initiatives seeking to increase the state’s minimum wage from the current $9.25/hour rate. The Legislature eventually approved SB 1532, which would phase-in minimum wage increases across three different regions based on their level of economic activity – the Portland metro area, a middle tier which includes Benton County and OSU, and rural/economically stressed counties.
The minimum wage hike will vary in how it affects universities, based on their locality, the number of workers at minimum wage, and the source of funds – tuition, student fees, or other funds such as housing and dining which employ a large number of minimum wage workers.
In short, both EOU and OIT may be largely unaffected because they are headquartered in non-urban or “economically distressed” counties. (The bill does not directly address what to do about universities with employees across the multiple wage rate zones.) Universities estimate that implementing the bill in 2017 will involve a $1.3 million increase in costs across all seven universities for the remainder of the current biennium. Almost half – $602,000 – would apply to OSU across all of the university’s activities whether paid for by general funds, federal funds, fees, or room and board. Assuming that OSU would not decrease the number of employees as a result of the increase in minimum wage, the OSU figure would grow significantly each year over the next three biennia: $771,000 per year in 2017-19 biennium to well over $1.5 million per year in future biennia.
The source of funding has yet to be determined. The preliminary analyses indicate that a quarter of the 2017 costs will accrue to state education and general (E&G) activities paid for either by tuition or general fund appropriations. A third of the costs will accrue to university housing and dining; a quarter will accrue to activities supported by student fees. The latter two involve funding streams that are entirely paid for by students.
While OSU student workers will be the primary beneficiaries of a minimum wage increase under SB 1532, they may also bear the burden of the increased tuition, fees, and housing and dining costs needed to pay these wages. It is also possible that those who receive work-study funding may see their wages increase but their hours reduced. State appropriations may help address the impacts to activities supported by “E&G,” but housing and dining and student fee supported activities cannot be supported by state appropriations.
Coverage of this issue can be found in the Oregonian.
The Governor’s statement following the legislature’s adjournment on Thursday, March 3 can be found here.
In our next update, we’ll look into the changes ahead for the Oregon legislature. With the March 8th filing deadline, the House will see a significant turnover, particularly in the Democratic ranks with nearly a third of the caucus membership retiring or moving on to seek higher office. With only half of its membership up for election, the Senate will see fewer changes.
If you’re interested in supporting OSU in Salem, join the Beaver Caucus.
Legislature finalizes budget adjustments, seeks to adjourn this week
In its fourth week, legislative budget writers issued a final packet of allocations and redistributions that spread a portion of the state’s projected ending fund balance among a handful of special projects and activities.
Sine die – which in Latin means adjournment without specifying a date for further meeting – could be as early as Tuesday, though more likely on Wednesday, and possibly as late as Thursday, depending on how long it takes for legislators to churn through the bills that remain “in play.” Republicans in both chambers have slowed the process by not voting for routine motions to “suspend the rules.” Without a suspension of the rules, the entirety of all bills considered on the floor must be read aloud before legislators can conduct a floor debate and vote. For most measures considered last week, the majority of the time spent was in reading the bills, rather than in the debate and voting.
For an overall update on the session, see recent articles in the Oregonian and Statesmen Journal.
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Higher Education Initiatives
University Venture Development Fund Tax Credit: HB 4072 would extend the UVDF tax credit for six years, enabling donors to receive tax benefits for contributions to a fund that supports the transition of university inventions from the laboratory to the marketplace. UPDATE: On Friday, by a 5-0 vote, the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee approved the bill and sent it the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation. The bill may be considered as soon as Monday.
University Investments in Equities: HJR 203 is a constitutional amendment referred by the legislature for consideration on the November 2016 ballot. It would enable universities to invest funds in common stocks. UPDATE: The bill passed the House by a vote of 55-1 and last week was approved by the Senate Rules Committee and is now headed for a vote on the Senate floor.
Lodging Tax: HB 4146 as introduced would double the statewide “transient lodging tax” from one to two percent. In the initial years the increase would support activities associated with 2021 international track and field championships to be held in Eugene. Because of OSU’s close proximity, our track & field facilities are likely to be involved as a potential venue, and may ultimately qualify for investments that will likely be under consideration during the 2017 legislative session. UPDATE: The House approved a revised proposal that reduced the rate. The bill is now under review by the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee which is considering a number of additional amendments. If the Senate adopts changes and passes the bill, it will need to return to the House for concurrence with the Senate amendments. Given the impending adjournment, bill supporters have little time to complete work on this bill.
Appropriations Actions
Increased Funding for Universities: Universities entered the session seeking at least a portion of the additional $55 million needed to bring them to the $755 million target sought during the 2015 legislative session. UPDATE: Adjustments to the biennial budget did not include any additional operating funds for Oregon’s public universities.
Marine Energy: Members of the bi-partisan Coastal Caucus sought $1.5 million for the research and development of marine energy on the Oregon coast. $1.25 million of this funding would enable OSU to compete for a $5 million federal grant. UPDATE: The Joint Ways & Means Committee approved $800,000 for this purpose included in SB 5701, the biennial budget rebalancing bill. How OSU will approach the US DoE will depend on the solicitation for proposals that is expected sometime this spring.
ALS Endowment: Included in the final budget bill is a one-time $100,000 allocation that will enable the OSU Foundation to create and manage an endowment to provide scholarships for students involved in research addressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The funding is in honor of State Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) who was recently diagnosed with ALS.
Endophyte Research: SB 5701 also appropriates $100,000 for endophyte research, to be matched by private dollars. “These funds are to be used only for endophyte research in support of Oregon’s fiber and straw export industry. A report to the Legislative Fiscal Office on how the funds were used in support of endophyte research and what was made possible by this additional influx of funds should be made by December 31, 2016.”
Continuing Service Level (CSL): The final budget also included a budget note that directs the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) to develop, in consultation with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the seven public universities, an estimated cost of applying the Community College Support Fund model to the Public University Support Fund, the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Extension Service, the Forest Research Laboratory, and Public University State Programs. The estimate will include data elements that the public universities will be required to submit to HECC in order to implement the model. DAS and LFO will provide the estimated cost to implement the Community College Support Fund CSL model for Public University state support to the Emergency Board, through the Legislative Fiscal Office, by July 1, 2016.
If acted upon by the Governor and the legislature during the 2017 legislative session, Oregon’s public universities and the OSU Statewide Public Service Programs may face budgetary increases that more accurately reflect the true cost of increases associated with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and other costs that were not included in the calculations that were used in the creation and adoption of the 2015-17 budget.
Industrial Hemp: Although budget writers did not approve funding for industrial hemp research to be conducted at OSU, the legislature approved HB 4060, which revises and clarifies state statutes involving the cultivation of industrial hemp.
Additional funding for Oregon Promise: The Ways & Means Committee approved an additional $1.7 million for Oregon’s “free community college” program to fund additional support services at Oregon’s 17 community colleges. The additional funding was taken from a prior, unused, appropriation for accelerated learning and will be distributed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. “Each community college will get one share of the funds, except Portland Community College will receive three additional shares given its size and operation of four major campuses.”
Capital bonding for Universities: The Ways & Means committee approved bonding for five capital projects sought by Portland State University, Southern Oregon University and Oregon Institute of Technology. The projects had been reviewed and approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and include:
- $5 million in XI-Q bonds for OIT to repair infrastructure failures in the North Utility Corridor Electrical Supply Feed and the College Union Building Storm Drainage System.
- $5.1 million for Article XI-F bonds for PSU to purchase the Corbett Building in Portland, which PSU currently leases from its Foundation for use by its Business Accelerator program. (The legislature also reduced bonding for a housing project at PSU that is expected to be lower than projected when originally approved.)
- $1.5 million in Article XI-F bonds for SOU to construct a new building for Jefferson Public Radio (JPR), adjacent to the university’s Center for the Arts facility in Ashland; and
- $2 million in Article XI-Q bonds for SOU to expand the scope of the McNeal Pavilion project initially approved by the legislature in 2014 for deferred maintenance and seismic upgrades. The additional funding will allow the construction of a new competitive gym for intercollegiate basketball and volleyball programs.
- $1.7 million in Article XI-F bonds for SOU to finance energy improvements to be included in the Science Building deferred maintenance project approved in 2011.
Establishment of a Legislative Policy and Research Committee: Budget writers approved SB 1569 which establishes a Legislative and Policy Research Committee which will oversee and direct an increased capacity in the legislature for conducting research and policy analyses. Under amendments adopted by the Senate Rules Committee, the Committee will consist of an equal number of House and Senate members and Democrats and Republicans. Given the interest in collaborating with the legislature on policy matters four universities (including OSU) wrote in support of the bill.
Other Higher Education Bills of Note
SB 1540 Calls on the HECC and universities to determine the best method of increasing number of mathematics majors at Oregon universities. UPDATE: After approval by the Senate (27-1), the House by a vote of 53-0 approved the bill and sent it to the Governor for her signature.
SB 1558 Limits disclosure of records of college or university student health center, mental health center or counseling center, or records of health professional retained by college or university. UPDATE: After the Senate passed the bill (28-0) the bill passed the House on a 53-0 vote. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.
SB 1586 Requires universities to undertake a number of activities to encourage students to register to vote. The seven public universities submitted a statement in favor of the bill, with amendments. UPDATE: The Joint Ways & Means Committee amended the bill and removed provisions that would have required the state to carry the cost of postage paid envelopes for future ballots. The bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. It will then go to the House.
HB 4019 Requires universities to provide in-state tuition to dependents of Oregon residents who leave the state to serve in public service organizations. UPDATE: This bill passed the House (59-0) and was approved in the Senate on a 28-0 vote. It awaits the Governor’s signature.
HB 4021 Directs the State Treasurer to study possible refinancing mechanisms for student loans. The seven public universities submitted a statement in favor of this bill. UPDATE: This bill was passed by the House (54-6) and last week was approved by a vote of 29-0 in the Senate.
If you have questions about this report or any state legislative issues contact jock.mills@oregonstate.edu.
Legislature nears “sine die”
With three weeks completed, the Legislature is well on its way toward adjourning – possibly as early as next week. Both chambers are on “one hour notice” which means that the normal 24-hour notice requirement for committee work sessions has been shortened to just one hour.
On Thursday, amid a raucous protest from those who thought it should be higher, the House approved a milestone minimum wage increase that now goes to the Governor for her signature. Other major pieces of legislation aimed at housing affordability and carbon reduction are moving through the process.
A number of the items on the higher education agenda, including projects specific to Oregon State University, are also progressing. Here is a brief summary:
University Venture Development Fund Tax Credit: HB 4072 would extend the UVDF tax credit for six years, enabling donors to receive tax benefits for contributions to a fund that supports the transition of university inventions from the laboratory to the marketplace. UPDATE: On Friday, without objection, the House Revenue Committee approved the bill and sent it the House floor with a “do pass” recommendation. The bill may be considered as soon as Monday. Reps. Andy Olson (R-Albany) and Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis), chief sponsors of the bill, will carry the bill on the House floor. And then we turn to the Senate, and presumably the Committee on Finance and Revenue.
Increased Funding for Universities: Universities entered the session seeking at least a portion of the additional $55 million needed to bring them to the $755 million target sought during the 2015 legislative session. UPDATE: It appears there may be no additional funding available for the remainder of the 2015-17 biennium. We continue to work with the Oregon Student Association in seeking additional funding to be targeted at reducing student debt and increasing persistence and graduation rates.
University Investments in Equities: HJR 203 is a constitutional amendment referred by the legislature for consideration on the November 2016 ballot. It would enable universities to invest funds in common stocks. UPDATE: The bill passed the House by a vote of 55-1 and it has now awaiting a hearing and a work session in the Senate Rules Committee. It may take concerted advocacy aimed at the Senate to get this bill scheduled for a work session in order for it to reach the Senate floor.
Marine Energy: Members of the bi-partisan Coastal Caucus have sent a letter to the Ways & Means Co-Chairs in support of $1.5 million for the research and development of marine energy on the Oregon coast. $1.25 million of this funding would enable OSU to compete for a $5 million federal grant. UPDATE: It is likely we may not know the status of this effort until the final days of the session when the Joint Ways & Means Committee considers the end-of-session omnibus budget bill.
Lodging Tax: HB 4146 would double the statewide “transient lodging tax” from one to two percent. In the initial years the increase would support activities associated with 2021 international track and field championships to be held in Eugene. Because of OSU’s close proximity, our track & field facilities are likely to be involved as a potential venue, and may ultimately qualify for investments that will likely be under consideration during the 2017 legislative session. UPDATE: The House Revenue Committee adopted a number of amendments to this bill designed to address a number of concerns regarding local implementation of the lodging tax. The committee approved the bill on a 7-1 vote and sent it to the floor for consideration. Because the bill raises revenues, it will require a 3/5 vote (36 ayes, vs. a simple majority of 31).
Bills of Note
SB 1540: Calls on the HECC and universities to determine the best method of increasing number of mathematics majors at Oregon universities. This bill was approved by the Senate (27-1), has been approved by the House Higher Education Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
SB 1558: Limits disclosure of records of college or university student health center, mental health center or counseling center, or records of health professional retained by college or university. The bill passed the Senate (28-0) and was approved by the House Higher Education Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
SB 1586: Requires universities to undertake a number of activities to encourage students to register to vote. The seven public universities submitted a statement in favor of the bill, with amendments. The bill is was approved on a party-line vote in the Senate Rules Committee and referred to the Joint Ways & Means Committee where it is awaiting consideration. Legislators have expressed concerns regarding provisions that require the state to carry the cost of postage paid envelopes for future ballots.
HB 4019: Requires universities to provide instate tuition to dependents of Oregon residents who leave the state to serve in public service organizations. This bill passed the House (59-0) and is scheduled for a hearing/work session in the Senate Education Committee.
HB 4021: Directs the State Treasurer to study possible refinancing mechanisms for student loans. The seven public universities submitted a statement in favor of this bill. This bill was passed by the House (54-6) and will be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Monday.
Industrial Hemp: Jay Noller, Head of OSU’s Crop and Soil Sciences Department participated in an informational hearing regarding a possible research program for industrial hemp. That program would involve approximately $150K in funding for the current biennium (as well as funding in the 2017-19 biennium in order to be completed). Funding for this study may be included in the end-of-session budget bill. To watch the hearing: http://oregon.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=fe495f64-62b6-4740-971c-f2ad4248e43d&meta_id=3ca8ee9a-569f-4cb6-8603-e80f43935266
If you have questions about this report or any state legislative issues, contact jock.mills@oregonstate.edu.