Oregon Opportunity Grant gains additional $4 million

The Oregon Opportunity Grant was allocated an additional $4 million Friday morning, assuring students who want to begin attending classes later this year the same access to grant money as those registered for fall term.

The request for the money and permission to exceed the state’s $72 million cap on financial aid was requested by the Oregon Student Assistance Commission and was approved by the state Legislature’s Fiscal Office Emergency Board by a 13-6-1 vote.

“The demand for funding increased for two reasons. One is because Oregonians know about the student funding,” said Jesse Cornett, special assistant to the president for government relations. “The unintended consequence is more people get in.”

Cornett said that in addition, the poor economy is pushing more people to pursue additional education. Applications for the Oregon Opportunity Grant are up 14 percent this year, according to OSAC. Timeline: – Bleak economic outlook earlier in July forces state Legislature to explore cutbacks in higher education.- More than 2,000 students already approved for the Oregon Opportunity Grant could have lost out.- Oregon Students Association holds emergency meeting at Oregon Health and Science University last Friday to explore options.- Associated Students of Portland State University begins emergency lobbying campaign.

The bottom line: An additional $4 million dollars of general funds money was allocated to the Oregon Opportunity Grant, ensuring more money for student financial aid through the 2008-09 school year.

What they’re saying: “It is a really great step because it shows they are continuing their commitment to post-secondary education and accessibility. We’re facing a difficult economic situation. This is a great investment of state dollars.”-Emily McLain, Oregon Student Affairs communications director”It’s great for the university and it’s great for the students.”-Jesse Cornett, special assistant to the president for government relations

The ASPSU angle:ASPSU Legislative Director Zach Martinson helped direct ASPSU’s lobbying effort, which included a letter writing and telephone campaign. Martinson said more than 20 letters were written to state legislators, including letters from the ASPSU executive staff and Student Senate. “This is going to allow us to step into the capital in January with a really strong push,” Martinson said. “We’re being told right now that it looks like education will be a top priority. We’re in a time right now where we spend more money on prisons than education. We want to turn that around.”Martinson said State Representative Larry Galizio (D-Tigard) specifically cited ASPSU’s letters and used them to justify his “yes” vote during Friday’s hearing.