Welcome to the OSU Government Relations Newsletter.

With this communication, we’ll highlight some of the office’s work, updates from the state legislature and congressional delegation, university engagements with elected officials, and other OSU news. The newsletter will be sent quarterly, and we encourage you to share it with your colleagues. They can also sign up by using this link.

State Relations

OSU Advocates for Higher Ed: Budget Hearings, Capital Projects, and What’s Next:

In late April and early May, Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) held budget hearings in the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education to shape the 2025–27 state funding framework for public universities. These hearings are critical for determining how state resources support student success, research, and workforce development. OSU was well represented, with testimony from university leaders emphasizing the need for strong investment in the Public University Support Fund, the Oregon Opportunity Grant, OSU’s Statewide Public Service Programs, and state programs such as the Engineering and Technology Sustaining Fund and the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. Their message was clear: sustained funding is essential to maintain access, affordability, and innovation across Oregon’s higher education system.

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Capital Construction Requests: Building for the Future
OSU is requesting two major capital construction investments, which were featured during a legislative hearing in the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction:

(1) STEM Learning Center – $73 million. This project will transform OSU’s historic Heat Plant into a state-of-the-art physics teaching and research facility. It will serve not only OSU students but also K-12 learners across Oregon, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.

(2) Student Health and Recreation Center at OSU-Cascades – $42 million. This much-needed facility will provide mental health counseling, clinical services, physical therapy, and recreation space for students in Bend. It’s a critical step in supporting student wellness, academic success, and the continued growth of the OSU-Cascades campus.

Davide Lazzati, head of the Department of Physics; student Whitney McFarlane (OSU-Cascades); and community partners gave outstanding testimony on the long-term value of these projects for students, faculty, innovation, and regional economic development.

Oregon’s Final Revenue Forecast: Stability Amid Uncertainty

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has released its final revenue forecast before the Legislature finalizes the 2025–2027 biennial budget. This forecast sets the stage for the final stretch of budget negotiations, with just six weeks remaining in the legislative Session.

The headline from this forecast is stability. While the numbers are slightly down from the last quarterly forecast, they remain above the projections made at the close of the 2023 legislative Session—the foundation for the current two-year budget. In a time of federal uncertainty, a flat forecast is not unwelcome. However, it will impact the level of funding that the legislature has available to invest, including for higher education.

Oregon’s economy grew by 1.2% last year, following a stronger 3.5% growth rate the year before. Economists suggest the state may be poised for a rebound in the coming year. However, Oregon’s reliance on exports and manufacturing makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of tariffs and trade disruptions. Oregon’s growth continues to trail the national average.

Despite the slight dip from the last forecast, overall resources remain well above earlier projections. Personal and corporate tax revenues are both up significantly, boosting the state’s financial outlook. The personal and corporate kickers are expected to return substantial funds to taxpayers and schools, and the state’s ending balance and Rainy-Day Fund are both projected to grow.

With this forecast in hand, the Legislature will begin the final phase of budget deliberations. As lawmakers weigh competing priorities, the conversation around how to allocate these additional resources is expected to intensify. OSU’s Government Relations team will continue to advocate for the university’s priorities and keep the campus community informed as the budget picture comes into focus.

The Beaver Caucus is supporting our work with a legislative advocacy campaign for the Public University Support Fund and the Oregon Opportunity Grant. To participate and support funding for students, click here.

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Passing of Sen. Aaron Woods (D-Wilsonville)
On April 19, Sen. Aaron Woods passed away after a long battle with cancer. A U.S. Army veteran and former Xerox executive, Sen. Woods was elected to represent Senate District 13 in 2022. He was quickly recognized as an optimistic man of integrity among his colleagues. The Oregon Capital Chronicle crafted this thoughtful write-up on the Senator and his impact.

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Appointment of Courtney Neron Misslin to the Senate

Following Sen. Woods’ passing, county commissioners appointed Rep. Courtney Neron (D-Sherwood) to fill the empty SD 13 seat. Before her swearing-in ceremony, she noted she will add her maiden name, “Misslin,” to the end of her name as a nod to her family roots. Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin (D-Wilsonville) was sworn in on May 9 and will serve for the remainder of Sen. Woods’ term (to January 2027).

Senator Neron Misslin’s appointment leaves an open seat in the House, which will be filled by Clackamas and Yamhill County Commissioners. Democrat precinct representatives will nominate candidates for consideration this weekend. A date for the Commission’s decision has not been set.

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Beavers in Action

OSU Advocates Take Over the Capitol for University Lobby Day

President Murthy joined Chancellor Sherm Bloomer, Beaver Caucus member Greg Macpherson, OSU Executives, students, and OSU Foundations members for Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Photo taken at the State Library of Oregon.

On April 3, the Oregon State Capitol buzzed with Beaver pride as OSU students, alumni, and university leaders came together for University Lobby Day: a powerful display of civic engagement and community spirit. In a series of coordinated meetings, small teams of Beavers connected with 60 state legislators to advocate for critical issues shaping the future of higher education in Oregon. Their priorities included increased funding for universities, expanded student support services, and vital capital improvements to enhance campus infrastructure. The day wasn’t just about policy—it was about presence. By showing up and speaking out, the OSU community underscored the importance of legislative engagement in advancing the university’s mission and strengthening the state’s educational landscape. The event concluded with a reception hosted by the OSU Foundation and Alumni Association. Attendees enjoyed a showcase of Beaver Classic products and learned about the university’s impactful Extension programming that serves communities across Oregon. University Lobby Day was more than a day at the Capitol—it was a celebration of advocacy, connection, and the power of the OSU community to shape a brighter future.

President Murthy, Greg Macpherson, and students met with Representative Ben Bowman (District 25) and staff. Macpherson served three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009.

President Murthy and Greg Macpherson. Macpherson has served on the Board of Directors of the Beaver Caucus since 2017, advocating for OSU’s interests in Salem.

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Legislative Dates of Importance  

May 23                        Bills to Moved Out of 2^nd Chamber Committees  

June 18                        Target Sine Die

June 29                        Constitutional Sine Die  

 For further information, questions, or to flag specific issues or actions of interest, please email Katie.Fast@oregonstate.edu or Katheryn.Yetter@oregonstate.edu.  

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Federal Relations 

OSU Federal Relations continues to focus on efforts to help support OSU leadership and the OSU community work through the dynamic federal landscape. We are focused on key developments across the federal agenda related to OSU interests: (1) current fiscal year funding and changes to federal agencies and programs; (2) development of next fiscal year federal funding bills; and (3) the budget reconciliation package moving through Congress.

Current Fiscal Year Funding and Changes: Over the past quarter, the administration has continued efforts to make changes across government, including the size and scope of government agencies, programs and services, and the federal workforce, as well as changes to federal grant program priorities. We recognize that there is a lot of concern and interest in changes and the uncertainty yet for what’s to come. For those interested in more details on the federal research landscape, we encourage the OSU community to continue to track information in regular emails from and on the website of the Division of Research and Innovation to help stay informed of policy changes or legal actions.

Development of Next Fiscal Year Federal Funding Bills: Earlier this month, the White House released a “skinnybudget” which is an overview of a more detailed President’s Budget Request for FY26 funding for the government that is still in development. The proposed budget would reduce spending by $163 billion or 23% from current year levels and poses concerns for investment in education, research, and other programs important to OSU. The release of the skinny budget has initiated the process in Congress to start developing the legislation to fund the government for next year. Currently, the House and Senate appropriations committees are hearing from leaders across the administration, and they are also getting input from members of Congress on their priorities. Congress will consider the administration’s priorities but will also assert its own priorities in any legislation. Federal Relations is actively working with the Oregon delegation to urge Congress to protect funding for higher education and research programs that support OSU’s mission to serve Oregonians and drive a world-class research enterprise. We expect to see appropriations bills this summer, followed by efforts to enact legislation to fund the government into next fiscal year by October 1.  

Budget Reconciliation – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: A budget reconciliation bill is currently working through Congress. The bill may be considered on the House floor as soon as this week. This bill proposes to enact sweeping changes across government programs, including higher education, tax, and entitlement programs. The higher education package would cut a total of $349 billion over 10 years, including concerning changes such as: elimination of subsidized undergraduate loans; reducing Pell Grants for students enrolled in less than 15 grants per term; making students enrolled in less than half-time ineligible for Pell Grants; new student loan repayment plans with greater financial responsibility for borrowers; and new risk-sharing provisions for financial accountability of institutions to reimburse the Department of Education based on student loan non-repayment rates. For more information, the Congressional Budget Office provides an overview of the costs and impacts of proposed changes to the higher education programs here. The package also includes changes to tax policy, Medicaid, and SNAP programs, including the proposed elimination of the SNAP-Ed program. If or when the reconciliation bill clears the House, the Senate will next have the opportunity to consider the package. The Senate is not expected to accept a House bill in full. There are several steps to this process yet to come.  

As we continue to work through this dynamic landscape across all these fronts, we are focused on opportunities to help decision makers understand what’s at stake, to help the OSU community have information to help make decisions, and to help OSU be in position for opportunities yet to come. We appreciate all the outreach and collaboration from the OSU community to help us do this, both from campus and in Washington, DC.

  For further information or questions or to flag specific issues or actions of interest, please email Gabrielle.Serra@oregonstate.edu.   

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Tribal Relations

46th Annual latwa ina Pow-Wow: Jon Boekenstedt, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at OSU, says, “The pow-wow held at Oregon State University every spring is a great chance to learn about the Native tribes of Oregon, their history, culture, food, and traditions.”

The Pow-wow is an annual event, held at Gill Coliseum on May 17, 2025, and this years’ event was well attended by tribes from all over Oregon. The event was organized by the Native American Student Association, or NASA, which is a united group of Oregon State students interested in promoting Native American education in higher education institutions, to preserve and promote Native American culture and identity, to uphold Native American rights, and to retain Native American students who attend OSU. For details, send an email to nativeamericanstudentassociation@oregonstate.edu.

The event featured Indigenous dancers, singers, a marketplace, and a delicious assortment of traditional and modern foods. Participants included Carlos Calica, Anthony Bluehorse, Ramona Quenelle, Anthony Quenelle, Star Horse, and Honor Drum Four Directions. The Honor Guard was provided by the Grand Ronde Honor Guard, a distinguished group of Native American veterans. The Honor Guard plays a vital role in honoring military service and preserving cultural traditions through ceremonial functions, community engagement, veterans’ recognition, and visual representation. Flags, traditional regalia, and eagle staffs serve as powerful symbols of respect and remembrance for ancestors who have served in the military.

To learn more, go to www.grandronde.org

For further information, questions, or to flag specific issues or actions of interest, please email Chance.White-Eyes@oregonstate.edu

Image credit: OSU Today. 05-21-2025.

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Timely News 

• OSU Cascades students raise $20 million in student fees | https://bendbulletin.com/2025/05/07/osu-cascades-students-advocate-for-health-and-recreation-center/
• Oregon lawmakers have $500 million less to spend, as economic uncertainty reigns | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/14/oregon-revenue-forecast-500-million-less-for-lawmakers-state-budget/
• Oregon facility builds and tests robot ‘Digit’ | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/09/oregon-state-digit-robot-federal-funding/
• Key Oregon Democrats pledge to push through a transportation plan by the end of June | https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/05/key-oregon-democrats-pledge-to-push-through-a-transportation-plan-by-end-of-june.html