Community colleges and universities say decision protects workforce development and student opportunity during difficult budget year
Salem and The Dalles, OR — The Coalition of Oregon Public Universities (OPU) and the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) today expressed appreciation to Oregon legislators for maintaining funding for the Community College Support Fund, the Public University Support Fund, and state-based financial aid programs during the 2026 Legislative Session.
As lawmakers worked to balance the state budget in a challenging fiscal environment, both organizations acknowledged the difficult choices legislators faced and thanked them for preserving investments that help students access affordable education and help employers build a skilled workforce.
“On behalf of Oregon’s community colleges, we appreciate the Legislature’s recognition of the vital role these institutions play in supporting students and building Oregon’s workforce,” said Dr. Abby Lee, Executive Director of the Oregon Community College Association. “Community colleges are already making difficult budget adjustments, and maintaining funding for the Community College Support Fund and state financial aid ensures students across Oregon can continue accessing affordable education and workforce training.”
Added CGCC President Dr. Kenneth Lawson, “For rural colleges like CGCC, this funding isn’t abstract—it’s the difference between a student in the Columbia Gorge being able to pursue a degree close to home or not pursuing one at all. We’re grateful the Legislature recognized that Oregon’s workforce needs extend well east of the Cascades, and that rural communities depend on strong community college funding to build the local talent that keeps our regional economies viable.”
CGCC Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jarett Gilbert continued, “Rural colleges operate with thinner margins and fewer alternatives when budgets tighten, so maintaining the Community College Support Fund and state financial aid has an outsized impact on what we’re able to offer our students. This funding helps us sustain the programs that our region genuinely cannot do without.”
Leaders from each organization noted that community colleges and public universities have already taken steps to address financial pressures by managing costs and implementing internal budget reductions.
“Oregon’s public universities are grateful that legislators recognized the financial pressures institutions are already facing and chose to maintain support for the Public University Support Fund and student financial aid,” said Mary Moller, Executive Director of the Coalition of Oregon Public Universities. “These investments allow universities to continue preparing the next generation of professionals, educators, and innovators who are essential to Oregon’s economy and communities.”
OPU and OCCA emphasized that maintaining these investments supports the strong partnership between Oregon’s community colleges and public universities. Together, the institutions provide educational pathways that allow students to progress from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees and graduate programs while helping meet the state’s workforce needs.
OPU and OCCA also noted that the state may face even more difficult fiscal decisions in the coming years. Oregon is projected to lose nearly $1 billion in federal SNAP and Medicaid funding beginning in the 2027 budget cycle, which will place additional pressure on the state’s finances.
“We know the next budget cycle could be even more challenging,” Lee said. “Community colleges will continue looking for ways to manage costs and operate efficiently, but maintaining strong investments in education will remain essential if Oregon wants to meet its workforce needs and support student success.”
Moller added that public universities are also preparing for continued financial challenges. “Our institutions have already begun making difficult financial decisions, and we recognize that more may lie ahead,” she said. “We appreciate the Legislature’s partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure Oregon students have access to the education and training that will drive the state’s future economy.”
Both organizations said they look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature, the Governor, and state partners to ensure Oregon’s higher education system remains strong, accessible, and responsive to the state’s economic and workforce needs.
About CGCC
Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is the heart of higher education in the greater Columbia River Gorge, with a mission to strengthen our regional economy and community through education and training. The college offers high-demand career and technical programs alongside affordable transfer pathways to four-year universities. As Oregon’s first community college designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), CGCC provides flexible schedules and a broad mix of credit and non-credit courses to serve diverse learners. Guided by faculty who have studied, taught, researched, and volunteered around the world, CGCC pairs global expertise with local commitment to student success. For questions and media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Tom Penberthy: [email protected]