Category Archives: Oregon Governor

Oregon State University Government Relations Update | May 2025

Posted on by

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:

Representing OSU during the hearings were President Jayathi Murthy; Scott Ashford, Dean of the College of Engineering; Tom DeLuca, Dean of the College of Forestry; Johnathan Hurst, College of Engineering faculty and Agility Robotics co-founder; David Bohnert, Director of the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, and Spirit Brooks, Director of Extension Outdoor School. Student leaders Audrey Schlotter and Adam Nickerson testified in the public hearing portion, as did several other OSU advocates and stakeholders.

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.

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.

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.

Appointment of Courtney Neron Misslin to the Senate

FILE – Rep. Courtney Neron, D-Wilsonville, Feb. 5, 2024, at the Capitol in Salem, Ore. Neron seeks to replace the late Sen. Aaron Woods. Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB.

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.

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.

Legislative Dates of Importance  

May 23                        Bills to Moved Out of 2nd 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.  

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.   

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.

Timely News 

2024 Legislative Session Highlights

Posted on by

By: Katie Fast, Executive Director of Government Relations

Today, the Oregon Legislature convenes it’s short 35-day session. Due to the short timeframe, each legislator is limited to introducing two bills and committees restricted to three. That does not mean that legislators won’t be tackling policy issues this year; in fact, reforms to Measure 110 and solutions to Oregon’s housing needs will be proposed.

Oregon State University is also tackling big issues and is looking to the state for partnership. Below are priorities that we are bring to the Oregon legislature:

  • Impact of Conference Realignment: The decisions by some universities to leave the Pac-12 not only eroded our 108-year-old conference and legacy but created a significant budget shortfall for OSU Athletics. We need the legislature’s assistance to:
    • Maintain OSU’s Commitment to Collegiate Athletic Scholarships: OSU commits $10.4 million annually toward athletic scholarships. As an Oregon public university, we have an obligation to continue supporting student-athletes who are bearing the real implications of conference realignment. For many student-athletes, their scholarships make college financially possible, and without that support, they lose their access to education.

The state of Oregon currently allocates 1% of the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund from the State Lottery Fund to the Sports Lottery Program. For the 2023-25 biennium, $18,329,943 was allocated. However, OSU will only receive about $650,000 annually because the university historically received multimillion-dollar media payments. Unfortunately, OSU can no longer expect the same media income after July 31, 2024. An additional 1% of lottery funds dedicated to OSU student-athletes would meet OSU’s athletic scholarship needs.

  • Covering OSU Athletics’ COVID Deficit: COVID-19 health protection regulations placed financial burdens on university athletics departments nationwide. OSU faced more than a year of zero sporting event ticket sales while maintaining our financial commitments to student-athletes and athletics staff. Federal COVID support funds received could not be used to support intercollegiate athletics. The university therefore loaned OSU Athletics $31.8 million to cover its COVID-related deficit. The opportunities for athletics repayment have changed due to conference realignment and a subsequent dramatic drop in media income. OSU has an immediate need from the state to help cover this deficit.
  • Building a Campus to Serve Central Oregon & the State: OSU- Cascades students and supporters are requesting $24 million to expedite the Phase 3 land remediation, which would create 81 contiguous acres for academic buildings and student housing. This is a critical step to meet growth needs of this innovative campus.
  • Supporting Student’s Needs: We will be working with other public universities and students to request:
    • $6 million in renewed funding for Strong Start 2.0: Continued funding for the Strong Start program is critical to ensure students are prepared and supported allowing them to succeed in a university environment. Initially a response to pandemic learning loss, Strong Start allows universities to offer comprehensive services including summer bridge programs, community- building cohorts, academic skill-building, and ongoing wraparound support. This state investment has led to greater retention rates, higher GPAs, and increased credit hour completion for participating students, compared to their peers.
    • $5 million to strengthen student basic needs programs and infrastructure on university campuses, includes basic needs centers. 
    • $1 million in emergency funding to the Open Educational Resources (OERS) program to improve access to low- or no-cost course materials for the remainder of the biennium. Since 2015, Oregon OER grants have saved students $12 on course materials for every program dollar spent.
  • Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: The Oregon and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) plays a vital role in public health, responding to issues of serious concern for people and wildlife, including highly contagious bacterial disease, avian flu, and mosquito born illnesses. Consistent with recommendations from the legislative report directed by HB 4128 (2022), HB 4148 allocates $3.5 million for critical equipment and capacity necessary for the OVDL and the state Wildlife Health Lab to combat threats such as Chronic Wasting Disease and zoonotic diseases.
  • Creating Pathways to Semiconductor Careers: In 2023, the legislature invested $200M in Oregon’s semiconductor sector. However, research and supporting the needed workforce was not addressed. HB 4154 invests $30 million in K-12 pathway programs, community colleges and public research universities to provide the faculty and tools focused on semiconductor related work.

To support OSU’s legislative priorities and easily engage with the legislature, consider joining the Beaver Caucus’s advocacy efforts. You can learn more here. https://thebeavercaucus.org/

Welcome New Members of the OSU Government Relations Team

Chance White Eyes joined OSU in December as Director of Tribal Relations. In this position, he will build and maintain collaborative, mutual and trusting relationships with Tribal nations within Oregon and beyond and consult with Oregon State leadership, colleges and programs to advance the university’s teaching, research and engagement missions.

White Eyes holds a doctorate in critical and socio-cultural studies in education from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Oregon State. He is an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin.

In November, Sherry Morgan started as Administrative Assistant. She previously worked in OSU Academics for Student Athletes. In this role, she is managing the office’s administrative needs and assisting tracking bills of interest to OSU and our community.

Katheryn Yetter, OSU University Policy & Standards Specialist, is taking on additional duties and supporting OSU’s advocacy efforts in Salem. We are fortunate for prior the legislative experience Katheryn brings to the team.

2017 Legislative Session in review

Posted on by | Leave a reply

With the adjournment of the 2017 legislative session last Friday afternoon, this issue provides a summary of the session, including:

  • The big picture and a prognosis for the next year;
  • How OSU’s legislative priorities fared;
  • Other bills that captured our attention and time; and
  • Acknowledgements for all the help we received over the last seven months.

Continue reading →

June 2017 Update: Sine die is nigh

Posted on by | Leave a reply

This issue provides an update and summary of some of the major budget decisions affecting Oregon’s public universities. Last week when the Governor and House and Senate leaders announced they could not reach an agreement on revenue reform this session, both chambers started moving pell-mell for the exits, with the hope to adjourn well before the July 10 constitutional deadline. The legislature will be working through the weekend and, if necessary, over the 4th of July holiday.

Continue reading →

May 2017 Salem Update

Posted on by | Leave a reply

This report provides a summary of recent actions and proposals on a wide range of issues, including revenue reform, a comprehensive transportation package, and the sale of the Elliott Forest. It also provides a rundown of some key bills under consideration as the legislature nears another deadline for committee consideration of bills.

Continue reading →

Students, Faculty, Staff, and Presidents Call for Increased Funding for Public Universities

Posted on by | Leave a reply

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.

Continue reading →

Governor Brown releases her recommended budget for the 2017-19 biennium

Posted on by | Leave a reply

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

Continue reading →

June 2016 Update

Posted on by | Leave a reply

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.

GovBrownWBB GovBrownWBB2 GovBrownWBB3

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.