Readers respond: Increase funding for public universities

As a second-year student studying public health at Western Oregon University, I’m grateful for investments by the Legislature in public universities. However, more investments must be made for students like me, particularly given federal uncertainty.

I’m a first-generation student from a farm-working family. The only jobs in my hometown for people with no higher education were agricultural. My family always told me that education is the most important asset I will ever have. They encouraged me to continue my education, but as I got older, that became harder. I had no savings or other income to contribute toward my education. So I, like many others, heavily rely on scholarships, grants and all the financial aid we can get. Without it, furthering my education would have not been possible.

Public universities such as WOU, along with financial aid like the Oregon Opportunity Grant, help students like me gain skills and knowledge. That prepares us to make meaningful contributions to our communities and strengthen Oregon’s workforce.

I know the state faces difficult budget decisions this year. The most critical investment the state can make is in its public universities and the students who rely on them. We build a better future for ourselves and for our state. Please urge the Legislature to fund public universities with at least $1.1 billion and to increase funding for the Oregon Opportunity Grant by $150 million. Students like me are depending on these investments in our future.