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Students rally for bill in Salem
The Advocate
More than 75 students from across the state, including five from MHCC, went to the Capitol Monday to show support for the Tuition Equity Bill, according to Oregon Student Association Campus Organizer Josh Baker.
The bill would grant undocumented students in-state tuition costs if they went to an Oregon high school for at least three years and graduated, had been accepted into an Oregon University System institution and are working towards residency.
Currently, 10 other states including Washington and California have similar legislation.
The bill has been made a priority by the Oregon Students of Color Coalition (OSCC), a group within the Oregon Students Association (OSA).
MHCC students carpooled to Salem to deliver Valentine cards and fliers as well as speak to help rally support for the bill.
The bipartisan bill has at least 11 co-sponsors including Sen. David Nelson (R), Sen. Chip Shields (D), Rep. Chris Harker (D), Rep. Mark Johnson (R) and Rep. Bob Jenson (R).
The bill has been introduced to the Oregon house and senate multiple times but has failed to pass.
"Things have changed," said Baker. "It's a new political field."
Students are tentatively planning a trip back down to the Capitol Thursday when they are expecting a hearing on the bill, according to Associated Student Government Director of Communications Raul Reyes. Students will have the opportunity to testify on how the bill will impact the state.
Baker said there is also work being done to reconstruct higher education so it "isn't detrimentally affecting students."
If students are interested in getting involved in any of the campaigns, Baker encourages them to stop by the ASG office in the College Center
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