February 2013 Government & Community Relations Update

University of Oregon highlighted at Eugene Chamber’s Celebration of Business event


The Eugene Chamber of Commerce highlighted the University of Oregon as a key driver of the economy during its Celebration of Business event on January 30. The UO’s contribution was highlighted in one of the Chamber’s five “Perspectives on Progress” videos. President Gottfredson and other UO leaders attended the event. 
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University of Oregon participates in regional achievement compact proposal presentation to Oregon Education Investment Board subcommittee


On February 12, UO Director of Community Relations Greg Rikhoff joined Bethel School District Superintendent Colt Gill and Springfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Matt Coleman in presenting a concept for a regional achievement compact to the Oregon Education Investment Board Subcommittee on Best Practice and Innovation.
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State Economist releases revenue forecasts


At a joint meeting of the Oregon Senate Finance and Revenue Committee and House Revenue Committee on February 15, State Economist Mark McMullen released the quarterly Economic and Revenue Forecast.
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Governance update: Oregon Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee holds hearing on governance bill


On February 7, the Senate Education and Workforce Development committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 270, which, in its current form, would create institutional boards for the University of Oregon and Portland State University.
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Merkley joins US Senate appropriations committee


As Congress continues to debate federal budgets, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) was named to the budget-writing Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee is the largest in the U.S. Senate, consisting of 30 members. Its role is defined by the U.S.
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Federal update: Sequestration trigger date approaches


According to a report by the Association of American Universities, it appears likely that across the board budget cuts known as sequestration are likely to go into effect on March 1 though it is possible that its damaging cuts can be addressed through the measure that Congress will need to consider to extend the continuing resolution (CR) that expires on March 27.  As reported by CQ.Com, “
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