August 2014 Government & Community Relations Update

USDA grants UO Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture certification


On July 2, the US Department of Agriculture granted the University of Oregon’s request for Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture status. This certification exempts the UO from a 100 percent match requirement on National Institutes of Food and Agriculture grants to non-land grant institutions included in the latest farm bill.
Read more...

US House acts to permanently extend IRA charitable rollover


On July 17, the US House of Representatives voted 227-130 to pass legislation that would permanently extend the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) rollover provision that expired at the end of 2013.
Read more...

Congress delays FY2015 funding decision until Fall


Congress began its August district and state work period Friday without having approved any of the FY15 appropriations bills needed to keep the federal government operating when the 2015 fiscal year begins on October 1, 2014.
Read more...

Business Oregon to host regional forum at the Ford Alumni Center


Business Oregon, the state economic development agency, in partnership with the Governor John Kitzhaber’s Regional Solutions Team and the Oregon Business Plan will hold eleven economic forums around the state with businesses, elected leaders and service providers. At the forums, representatives from the state economic development agency will lead in-depth discussions with key stakeholders.
Read more...

Congress considering Higher Education Act Reauthorization bills


Congress is considering several proposals to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) with the most recent bill being introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IOWA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions ("HELP") Committee.
Read more...

Earthquake early warning makes appropriations process


Both the US House and Senate Appropriations committees took action in support of an earthquake early warning system supported by the University of Oregon. 
Read more...