In a passionate plea for increased funding, community college advocates gathered at the Oregon State Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education meeting, highlighting the urgent need for financial support to ensure educational equity and faculty pay parity.

Tracy, a full-time faculty member, shared a stark contrast in experiences among educators, revealing that while he enjoys job stability, his colleague Sam struggles to make ends meet, often earning more as a fishmonger than as a community college instructor. Tracy called for an additional $40 million for the Community College Support Fund, urging lawmakers to raise the fund to $920 million and to support the Oregon Opportunity Grant with an extra $150 million. He emphasized that without adequate funding, job insecurity among faculty detracts from their ability to focus on student success.

Susan Case, an adjunct faculty member at Clackamas Community College, echoed these sentiments, stressing that community colleges are essential for workforce development, especially during economic downturns. She pointed out that many adjuncts earn less than half of what their full-time counterparts make, and called for $40 million to address pay disparities. Case passionately advocated for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, sharing her personal story of how education transformed her life and the lives of her family members.

Nicholas Monroe, an assistive technology specialist at Lane Community College, also contributed to the discussion, underscoring the importance of accessible education for students with disabilities. He highlighted the critical role community colleges play in providing opportunities for all students, particularly during challenging economic times.

The committee's discussions underscored a growing consensus on the necessity of investing in community colleges to support both faculty and students, with advocates urging lawmakers to prioritize educational funding as a means to foster economic recovery and social mobility in Oregon.