Mt. Hood Community College leaders advocate for increased state funding to support students

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means convened on March 22, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting community colleges in Oregon. The meeting highlighted the significant impact of declining state funding on tuition rates and student support services.

The session began with a testimony from a Mount Hood Community College (MHCC) board member, who shared a personal account of the rising tuition costs since their enrollment in 1998. The speaker noted that tuition per credit increased from $36 to $115 by 2019, illustrating a shift in financial responsibility from state funding to students. They emphasized the need for community colleges to be funded at current service levels, advocating for an additional $60 million in the governor's proposed budget to maintain affordability for students.

Shatoya Bentley, another MHCC board member and alumna, followed with remarks on the importance of supporting students' basic needs, including access to food pantries and rental assistance. She stressed that state budget decisions directly affect these essential services.

Tim Cook, president of Clackamas Community College, also addressed the committee, expressing gratitude for the support of the Student Basic Needs and Workforce Stabilization Act. He shared alarming statistics from a recent survey indicating that 19% of Clackamas students experienced homelessness at some point, and over 46% faced food insecurity. Cook underscored the necessity of funding for benefit navigators to assist students in accessing vital resources.

The discussions underscored a growing concern among community college leaders regarding the sustainability of current funding models and the urgent need for increased state support to ensure that educational institutions can continue to serve their students effectively. The committee's deliberations will likely influence future budgetary decisions impacting community colleges across Oregon.