The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues facing Oregon's community colleges, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by students at Mt. Hood Community College.

The meeting highlighted alarming statistics regarding student needs, with two-thirds of students at Mt. Hood Community College experiencing some form of basic needs insecurity. A significant 78% of these students rely on public benefits for their survival. The committee heard that 40% of students struggle with housing insecurity, and 20% are unsheltered, underscoring the severe impact of Oregon's historical underfunding of community colleges.

Testimony revealed that rising housing costs are outpacing incomes, creating multiple barriers for students, with tuition being just one of many challenges. The hidden costs associated with attending college further burden those who are already financially strained. Despite serving some of the most economically disadvantaged communities in the state, Mt. Hood Community College has faced difficulties in passing a bond measure, leading to increased tuition rates to cover financial shortfalls.

The urgency of the situation was emphasized, with calls for full funding of Oregon's community colleges to improve workforce sustainability and community health. Advocates urged the committee to support State Bill 5,525, which proposes an investment of $920 million in community colleges, framing it as a necessary step towards ensuring that all Oregonians have the opportunity to thrive.

The meeting continued with further testimonies, including remarks from Kim Morgan, who expressed gratitude to the committee members for their attention to these pressing issues. The discussions underscored the collective responsibility to create conditions that support educational access and success for all students in Oregon.