Don’t Miss Oregon’s Joint Ways & Means Committee Budget Hearing at Eastern Oregon University on April 11!

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU) will welcome the Oregon legislature’s Joint Ways & Means Committee on April 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event gives community members a chance to speak directly to lawmakers about pressing budget needs for the state budget cycle of 2025-2027.

The Joint Ways & Means Committee plays a crucial role in setting Oregon’s budget. They travel around the state to gather feedback from residents. This hearing is an essential chance for students, faculty, and locals to voice their opinions on funding for higher education and rural communities, areas that greatly impact Eastern Oregon.

Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement, emphasized the importance of this meeting. He said, “Having the legislature visit EOU is a great way to share our region’s priorities and needs. It’s vital that rural Oregon and our educational institutions are part of this budget discussion.” Community involvement is key, and every voice matters.

In addition to education, funding discussions will cover other critical needs in the community. Recent studies show that rural areas in Oregon face unique challenges, including access to healthcare and economic opportunities. According to a 2021 report from the Oregon Statewide Population Report, rural communities are seeing a decline in population and job opportunities, making these budget conversations even more important.

EOU and other public universities in Oregon have outlined specific funding needs to continue serving the community effectively. As budget hearings often draw large crowds, registering ahead of time is recommended for anyone wishing to provide testimony.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: April 11, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Eastern Oregon University Campus
Register to Provide Testimony: Here

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