'Five under 35' hold forum at university

By KYLE ODEGARD

Gazette-Times reporter

Five Oregon House representatives under the age of 35 held a forum at Oregon State University to hear student concerns Tuesday night.

They ended up getting an earful from faculty and staff, as well, over $12 million in OSU salary funding in limbo because of low state revenue projections.

"The legislature set up a rainy-day fund to use in situations like this. And let me tell you, it's raining," said Hal Salwasser, dean of the College of Forestry.

Moments later, in a brief interview, Salwasser said OSU already has awarded many promised salary increases, so if the money doesn't materialize, it would come out of OSU's existing budget. The same is the case for all state agencies. At OSU, the result could mean higher tuition, program reductions, fewer classes for students, and therefore a tougher road to graduate within four years.

If the salary pool funds are withheld, that could mean eliminating positions and reducing research for the OSU Extension Service and other public service programs, said Jock Mills, OSU director of government relations. Nearly half of the potential cuts, about $5.3 million, would come from those areas.

Statewide, the employee salary package is about $126 million, including $29 million for the Oregon University System.

Mills said the funds might be released after a June economic forecast. "Whether or not the revenue materializes, the Legislature has the money," he added. "As revenues decline, lawmakers need to determine how much to cut, how much to raise through tuition increases and whether they need to reach into the funds they set aside last session for a rainy day."

Rep. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, said she was very hesitant to use the rainy day fund now, but said she would speak with other legislators and raise awareness of the salary pool issue.

Rep. Tobias Read, D-Beaverton, agreed, worrying that residents would think the state was using its rainy day fund too quickly.

Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem and Rep. Chris Edwards, D-Eugene -both OSU graduates - and Rep. Ben Cannon, D-Portland also participated in the forum, which was held in the Memorial Union Lounge. About 50 people attended.

Other discussion included the federal economic stimulus package, the state's tax system and how that impacts schools, and whether illegal aliens should be able to pay in-state tuition at Oregon universities.

The legislators' tour of colleges started last week at the University of Oregon. The five under 35 will go to Portland Community College next week, and to Willamette University the last week in April.

Kyle Odegard covers Oregon State University. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.