June 2013 Government & Community Relations Update
Ways and Means Committee passes governance bills SB 270A and HB 3120A
On June 28, the Ways and Means Committee passed SB 270 A, a bill that establishes institutional boards for Oregon’s public universities with only one committee member objecting.
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Senate passes immigration bill with higher ed friendly provisions
On June 27, the US Senate approved sweeping immigration legislation. By a vote of 68 to 32, the Senate approved and concluded a month-long debate of the nearly 1,200-page measure. To note the historic significance of the vote, Vice President Biden presided over the vote and Senators voted from their desks, which is a rare procedural move to mark historic votes and special occasions.
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Congress heads to recess without student loan interest rate fix
The US Senate and House adjourned for the July 4 recess without taking action to prevent Federal student interest loans from doubling to 6.8 percent on July 1. Senators Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), and Angus King (I-Maine) were working on a compromise proposal, but failed to meet the recess deadline.
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Federal update: Immigration debate begins
By an overwhelming vote of 82 to 15, the Senate on June 11 voted to end debate and proceed to consideration of the comprehensive immigration reform bill (S.
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Federal update: No agreement on student loan fix
With the July 4 recess approaching, the US House and Senate continue to be at a standstill about the best way to deal with student loan interest rates. The rate for subsidized Stafford student loans is scheduled to increase from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1. There are several proposals but none that have the support necessary to get approval in both chambers.
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State board to meet Friday to consider public safety, tuition
The Oregon State Board of Higher Education and its Finance and Administration and Academic Strategies Committees will hold meetings on June 20 and 21.
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Eugene delegation participates in Neighborhoods USA conference
In late May, a nine person delegation from Eugene attended the 2013 Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The delegation was part of the larger group that is organizing the 2014 Neighborhoods USA Conference in Eugene in May.
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Oregon House committee holds informational hearing on athletics
May 31 marked the final day for policy bills in the Oregon Legislature to receive second chamber work sessions. Bills that have passed through either the House or Senate previously had to receive a work session in the opposite chamber to remain “alive”. Bills in the House and Senate Rules committees and the Joint Ways and Means Committee can still move forward.
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Higher education governance bills receive hearings
On May 23 and again on May 29, the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education held public hearings on SB 270 and HB 3120.
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Federal budget update
Members of Congress returned to Washington, DC after the Memorial Day recess. They will continue to discuss a host of issues including a fix to keep student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1, FY14 appropriations, and immigration reform.FY14 Appropriations
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Public officials participate in President Gottfredson’s Investiture
Local, state, and federal officials attended and participated in the Investiture Ceremony of UO President Michael Gottfredson. The Investiture Ceremony marked the official installation of President Gottfredson as the 17th President of the University of Oregon.
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