Kyle Odegard, April 16, 2008
Five Oregon House representatives under the age of 35 held a forum at Oregon State University to hear student concerns Tuesday night.
They ended up getting an earful from faculty and staff, as well, over $12 million in OSU salary funding in limbo because of low state revenue projections.
"The legislature set up a rainy-day fund to use in situations like this. And let me tell you, it's raining," said Hal Salwasser, dean of the College of Forestry.
Moments later, in a brief interview, Salwasser said OSU already has awarded many promised salary increases, so if the money doesn't materialize, it would come out of OSU's existing budget. The same is the case for all state agencies. At OSU, the result could mean higher tuition, program reductions, fewer classes for students, and therefore a tougher road to graduate within four years.