As effects of the pandemic subside, enrollment for Oregon’s 17 community colleges has started to rebound. However, local industries continue to face critical worker shortages. It is more important than ever that the Oregon Legislature invest in workforce training, skills building and essential wraparound support services for students – all of which our community colleges provide, (“Universities, community colleges face bleak funding picture in Salem,” April 15).
We are on the frontlines of training, education and support, creating the pathways of opportunity that will spur economic growth and prosperity for the state and region. For instance, a 2021 economic impact study by the labor economics firm Emsi found that Portland Community College added $2.1 billion in income to the region’s economy, supporting 24,169 jobs.
That is why we are asking legislators to support the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s request for the Community College Support Fund with $855 million in ongoing funding and $50 million in one-time funding. This allows colleges to maintain critical programs and services and meet the changing demands of students, communities and local economies.
With the increased revenue forecast and a substantial rainy day fund, legislators must take action to protect students from substantial cuts to community college budgets.
I call upon legislators to recognize the critical importance of adequately funding these institutions. Failure to do so would undermine education and economic opportunities for countless students, hamper the state’s ability to recover from economic downturns and perpetuate educational and economic inequities.
Adrien L. Bennings, Portland
Bennings is president of Portland Community College
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