Technology Association of Oregon supports Senate Bill 5525 for Cybersecurity Center funding

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss key legislative matters, including the funding of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCOE) through Senate Bill 5525.

Maddie Doan, representing the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO), expressed strong support for the bill, which allocates $11.3 million for the OCCOE. Doan highlighted the importance of the OCCOE in providing essential cybersecurity training and resources to under-resourced organizations across the state. She emphasized that as technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, the risks associated with cybersecurity threats also rise. The OCCOE aims to address these threats by offering centralized expertise and training, thereby enhancing the cybersecurity workforce in Oregon.

Doan noted that the funding would be utilized to staff and train professionals, as well as to provide direct services to local governments and school districts. She characterized the investment as modest compared to the significant impact the OCCOE has on safeguarding public services and supporting the state's innovation ecosystem.

During the meeting, Co-Chair Senator Solman acknowledged the presence of new committee member Representative Zach Hudson, who is temporarily filling in for Representative Wynne. The meeting also coincided with National Teacher Appreciation Week, prompting Co-Chair Solman to recognize the contributions of educators present in the committee.

The discussions underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting public services and the necessity of supporting initiatives like the OCCOE to bolster Oregon's technological infrastructure. The committee's deliberations on Senate Bill 5525 reflect a commitment to enhancing the state's cybersecurity capabilities and workforce development.