The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical funding for Oregon's community colleges, focusing on Senate Bill 5525, which seeks full funding of $920 million. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of community colleges in supporting students and local communities.

The session began with remarks from the chair of Columbia Gorge Community College, who emphasized the necessity of the proposed funding. The chair noted that community colleges serve as vital resources for students, faculty, and staff, especially in light of recent federal funding cuts and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. The chair urged committee members to support the bill, framing the funding as a significant return on investment for communities across Oregon.

Parker Price, a former student of Oregon Coast Community College, shared a personal account of how community college played a pivotal role in his life. After facing challenges during his time at Oregon State University, including the effects of COVID-19, Price found stability and success through his local community college. He expressed hope that the proposed funding would enable more students to access similar opportunities for personal and educational growth.

Garrett Merchant, a current student at Linn Benton Community College, also provided testimony, recounting his journey back to education after years in the workforce. Merchant described his initial doubts about college due to a learning disability but highlighted how community colleges offer a less intimidating entry point into higher education. He compared the experience of attending a community college to watching a single episode of a TV show, as opposed to committing to a lengthy film, underscoring the flexibility and accessibility that community colleges provide.

The testimonies collectively underscored the critical role of community colleges in fostering educational opportunities and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The committee's discussions reflected a strong consensus on the need for adequate funding to ensure these institutions can continue to serve their communities effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members acknowledged the importance of the proposed funding and the testimonies shared, setting the stage for further deliberations on the bill's implications for Oregon's educational landscape. The next steps will involve continued discussions and potential votes on the funding proposal in the coming weeks.