Several bills in Oregon Legislature could affect Portland State

Attempts to shrink a gaping hole in the state’s higher education budget is considered the key issue of debate in Salem among Portland State lobbyists, but a number of bills up for consideration by Oregon’s top decision makers could leave a lasting impact on the school.

Proposed full-time benefits for part-time teachers who work at multiple schools, benefits for veterans at public universities and a requirement that minorities be interviewed for vacant head coaching positions are among legislation under consideration.

The legislature appears to favor most bills that impact Portland State positively, said Jesse Cornett, the school’s director of government relations.

But their decisions will likely come down to money at a time when few dollars are available, he added.

This year’s legislative session, in which the House and Senate set state policy that will remain in place for at least two years, is scheduled to conclude its six-month course in June.

No other legislation is expected to be introduced, Cornett said. The legislature will not gather again until July 2011, barring special sessions.

Here are some of the bills under consideration:

Teacher’s benefits
House Bill 2557 would require that benefits generally available for full-time faculty at public universities and colleges be granted to part-time and adjunct faculty who work at more than one school.
Eligible faculty would be required to work the equivalent of full-time employee who works at a single school. The bill is garnering strong support in the legislature, but may not pass in the face of a severe revenue shortfall, Cornett said.

Oregon Opportunity Grant
Governor Ted Kulongoski showed strong opposition to House Bill 2949, which would make Oregon Opportunity Grant dollars available for students attending for-profit schools like the University of Phoenix.
Grant money is intended for students who could otherwise not afford a college education.
The bill is expected to face a swift defeat in the current session. “The governor has indicated he would not like to see any changes to the opportunity grant,” Cornett said. “I wouldn’t say it’s a veto threat, but it’s pretty darn close.”

Veteran support
House Bill 2178 aims to create a program to place a full-time aide to assist veterans at public higher education campuses statewide. Called a veterans affairs officer, the aide would be tasked with ensuring veterans have the resources necessary to succeed in school.
The bill is gaining momentum, and would likely get a unanimous vote if legislators were not wrangling with a budget deficit, Cornett said. House Bill 2571 proposes in-state tuition for veterans regardless of where they officially reside, but it faces similar budgetary scrutiny, Cornett said.

Minority coaches
House Bill 3118 would require at least one interview of a minority for any vacant head coaching position. The law would require few additional dollars and is expected to pass.

Cutting costs
Senate Bill 442 proposes that the Oregon University System conduct a study to pinpoint areas where higher education could save money. Consolidating schools and a switch from a quarter to semester system are among possible areas of review, Cornett said. The bill was approved by the house committee and awaits review by the state’s budgetary committee, called the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Dental rights
Portland State is technically barred from operating its dental clinic because of a law that legislators are aiming to change. The law was designed to prevent entrepreneurs from separating the dentist and patient relationship. It bars anyone except registered dentists, some labor unions and local government from operating a clinic.
Portland State University would be forced to shut down its dental clinic without an amendment to the law that would give this right to public universities, which is expected to pass with overwhelming support.