HB 3185
Provides that priority may be given to students in specified courses of study to participate in a pilot program to enhance the hiring of public university students by eligible nonprofit organizations.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Portland State University, Eastern Oregon University)
Committee
Ways and Means
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
67%
Oppose
33%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a pilot program at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University to connect public university students with eligible nonprofit organizations. Priority will be given to students in specific fields like agriculture, behavioral health, and economic development. The program will reimburse nonprofits up to 100% of student wages and reduce students’ tuition costs by 20%, while also establishing guidelines for program administration and evaluation.
Key provisions
- Establishes a pilot program at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University.
- Prioritizes students in agriculture, behavioral health, economic development, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and K-12 education.
- Nonprofits that participate will be reimbursed up to 100% of student wages.
- Student tuition costs will be reduced by 20% for participating students.
- Students must work 10-20 hours per week for participating nonprofits.
- Nonprofits must pay students at least the Oregon minimum wage.
- Universities must develop policies for program administration.
- Universities must evaluate the program's effectiveness annually.
Who is affected
- Public university students
- Eligible nonprofit organizations
- Higher Education Coordinating Commission
- Portland State University
- Eastern Oregon University
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the legislation emphasize the importance of connecting public university students with eligible nonprofit organizations through a pilot program. By leveraging existing funding programs and partnerships, this initiative aims to enhance hiring opportunities for these students, providing them with valuable work experience, compensated positions, and reduced tuition in recognition of their service. Proponents argue that this program would not only benefit the non-profit sector but also contribute to the development of a skilled and engaged workforce, ultimately supporting the state's social and economic goals.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
allocating $888,412 from the General Fund to support a pilot program at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University, citing concerns over the allocation as an "unbelievable waste of taxpayer's money". They also express worries about potential misuse of funds for lobbying purposes. Additionally, some that such funding would divert resources away from more pressing needs in the state, highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility and prioritization of public expenditures.
Source: Testimony Summaries