The budget-writing Ways and Means Committee held a series of virtual meetings designed to solicit input on the 2021-23 biennial budget as well as ways to use the Federal ARPA relief funds. This roadshow, targeting each of Oregon’s five congressional districts, ended last week after a total of 10 hours of testimony.
Moving into the month of May, the AAUP Oregon Legislative Committee continues to track four of its top priority bills: SB 551, HB 3007, SB 712, and SB 854.
- SB 551, the part-time faculty health care bill, and HB 3007, the House version of the bill, have been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. PSU-AAUP also organized a letter-writing campaign in support of HB 3007/SB551 for union members who are constituents of District 16. The letter accompanied an Action Alert.
- SB 712, the HECC voting rights bill, which has passed the Senate, now moves to the House Education Committee for a hearing on May 4. The bill gives voting rights to non-voting members, including community college and university faculty members who serve on the Commission.
- SB 854, which has yet to be scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Education Committee, proposes more accountability measures and oversight of university boards of trustees. The bill also proposes that faculty members, non-faculty members, and students serve on presidential search committees.