Image provided by: Clackamas Community College; Oregon City, OR
About The print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1977-1989 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 10, 1982)
Community colleges Chance of big cuts from state level on rise By J. Dana Haynes Of The Print After nearly a month of in fighting, the special session of Oregon’s congress is no nearer balancing the state budget than ever. And according to Karen Prouty, Community Colleges of Oregon Student Associa tions and Commissions lob byist, the fate of the 13 colleges is now worse than ever. Last week, the legislation voted down a proposed in come tax surcharge by a margin of 26-34; a move that almost assures a decisive cut to the colleges, according to Pro uty. \ “I think there will definitely be cuts, anywhere from 10 to 15 percent,” she said. ' In early January, Gover nor Vic AtiyehJs proposal to slash community colleges by 11 percent prompted a rally on the steps of the capital building that drew more than 1,000 students from all oyer the state. .“Clackamas Community could withstand major cuts, but we’re one of only three schools that could/’ Prouty said. / 7 Of the 13 schools, Clackamas is rated number two on7 monetary stability. Clatsop County - Community, . in Astoria,,is number one, thahks to a $1.7 million carry-over from their 1980-81 budget. On the other end of the spectrum is Southwestern Oregon Community in Coos Bay, Treasure Valley Com- munity in Ontario, and Chemeketa in Salem. These three schools are in. dire finan- cial straits, even without any budget cuts S Chemeketa’s problems stem from problems in Marton County, explained Doug Mox ley, vice president of that school’s student government. “Chemeketa hais a large campus .and enrollment, but the county’s récent fiscal crisis left us with an unexpected debt of $600,000,” Moxley said. “A major budget cut on top of that would hurt us a lot.” It is estimated by CCOSAC that Chemeketa would lose up to 50 full-time facility positions if the legislature goes through with the cuts. ~ The defeat of the tax sur charge represents a subtle change in the legislature’s at titude toward the community colleges, Prouty suggested “We’re losing our süppoit down there,” she said. The Democratic Party has been primarily’behind the col leges and in favor of thé sur- charge. In last Wednesday’s session, seven democrats voted against the surcharge. . Leading the opposition against the colleges is Rep - Vera Katz. ’ “Katz doesn’t , believe in ‘hobby’ dr self-improvement classes,” Protity said, “She .wants the community colleges- .to teach the basics.” Katz is co-chairperson of the House Ways and Means Committee, and is considered Burrows and Darlene Hooley, to be a highly influential person who is the" representative for in Salem. “She’s npt so influen this College’s district. With the tial ; she’s just loud, ” Prouty exception of..Burrows, the above mentioned are all said. However, the colleges still Democrats. have considerable support in The special session was the government. Those who called to eradicate Oregon’s have spoken out in favor of > deficit. According to the state leaving the colleges’ budgets constitution, it is illegal to main untouched include represen tain deficit spending. How long tatives. Barbara Roberts, Fred it will take to pare down the Heard, Joyce Cohen, Mary .budget is unknown. Financial Aid plans workshop on forms for next Tuesday A workshop for comple tion of Financial Aid forms will be held Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. and Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. Both sessions will be held in CC 101. Kathy Scheer, / financial aid specialist, will explain how to properly fill out financial aid applications. The workshop is open to all interested students filing for assistance. El Donna Pruit said, “Financial aid applications are not as easy as one might ex pect.” She said, “The workshop will show applicants how to avoid makingerros in filling out the form. “Errors can add weeks on to your getting the news about your eligibility ” It-is important to get the financial-aid forms in early this year. “There is less financial aid to be allotted than last year, and it is first come first served in financial aid,” Pruit said. Staff Photo by Duffy Coffman BREAKING SOIL, Bob Coon prepares the sidewalk between the Tri Met bus stop shelter and the Community Center exit. English instructor gets published; going for more Page 4 ¡N: OL0055 Winter production written by former College student Page 6