Tuition Equity supporters gather for graduation ceremony and hearing

Salem, Ore.-- On Wednesday, supporters of Oregon's bi-partisan Tuition Equity Bill (SB742) gathered at the Oregon State Capitol for a graduation ceremony. The ceremony recognized the potential Oregon continues to lose during this time of graduations without passage of SB742.

After the ceremony, the Oregon State House Rules Committee held a hearing where students, parents, teachers, state legislators and members of the business, faith, and the higher education community testified in favor of the legislation.  Turn-out for those in favor of Senate Bill 742 was 10-1 over those opposed -- reflecting well the bill's bi-partisan support.

Senate Bill 742 will ensure that every Oregon student has fair access to quality and affordable higher education. It will also make it possible for all Oregon Students, regardless of their citizenship status, to be able to pay in-state tuition. Besides capitalizing on taxpayer investment in Oregon's K-12 students, it will boost the education level of Oregon's workforce and bring in more tax dollars to the state's general fund.

Support for Senate Bill 742 continues to grow in the Oregon State Legislature and around Oregon. Organizations who support passage of the legislation include the Association of Oregon Industries (AOI), Portland Business Alliance (PBA), Oregon Students Association (OSA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Oregon Education Association (OEA), Center For Intercultural Organizing (CIO), CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Stand for Children, Latino Network, The Bus Project, Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), Gresham Youth Advisory Committee, Adelante Mujeres, Jobs with Justice, Oregon Thrives, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Upstream Public Health, Multnomah Youth Commission and others.

Please continue to contact state representatives and urge them to support Senate Bill 742 for Oregon Students and Oregon's Future.  Link here to find out how to contact your state representative and members of the House Rules Committee:  http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5535/t/4202/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1470

Related News Coverage:
Push For In-State Tuition Rates For Undocumented Residents Continues OPB News
Ore. House panel takes up immigrant tuition Associated Press
Tuition bill prompts Capitol rally Statesman Journal

Posted in: Oregon State Legislature,SB 742,Tuition Equity