In response to Senator Oriard, Liberal Arts, questioning if the budget will pit higher ed against K-12, Nelson hoped not. Nelson noted that there is a question of whether the K-12 budget is inflated, but felt that it will pass as proposed. Nelson believes that there is support for higher education in the Legislature and encouraged faculty to contact him with questions. Faculty Senate Election Results Ken Williamson, Ballot Counting Chair, reported that Nancy Rosenberger had been elected President-Elect and Jim Lundy had been elected Interinstitutional Faculty Senate Senator. Legislative Issues Jock Mills, OSU Director of Government Relations, reported on legislative issues related to higher education.
Mills receives a summary of every bill introduced to the legislature.
Mills sends out a weekly report to deans and cabinet members and is relying on those receiving the report to disseminate it to faculty members who may be affected. He noted that faculty representation at the March 6 capitol rally would be helpful. OSU's goal is to have 1,400 staff, faculty and students present. The State Board meets at OSU on February 15 and 16 for the monthly Board meeting. The full Board will render a decision on the Central Oregon campus and discuss the governor's budget on February 16.