As a native Seaside resident, a senior at the University of Oregon and a PathwayOregon scholarship recipient, access to an affordable, four-year university is something that I believe very strongly is critical to the future of our state.

While the budget released by Gov. Tina Kotek earlier this month is a step in the right direction, it still leaves our public universities underfunded, and has the potential to force our schools, like the University of Oregon, to make difficult decisions that have direct impacts on students and our families.

If the state fails to adequately fund universities, they may be required to shift a greater portion of tuition onto students, or reduce student services that are important to me and my peers, like academic advising, mental health support and career counseling.

Every time the state fails to adequately fund public universities, students like me, who rely on available services and financial aid programs, are put at risk. I hope the state will reconsider the proposed budget, and consider investing an additional $275 million in our public universities and the students who attend them.

This additional investment will ensure that students like me are able to stay in Oregon and earn a four-year degree, and eventually graduate and enter the workforce here in my home state. On behalf of my fellow students, I hope you’ll join me in urging the Legislature to consider making a meaningful investment in our universities during this budget cycle.

ZOEY ALEXANDER

Seaside