Wheeler: Student Loan Proposal Will Help Oregonians

piggy bankSALEM, OR — As Oregon students face increasing loan burdens, the state treasurer has proposed a ballot measure he says will help.  But, not everyone thinks the state should incur more debt so students don’t have to.

Measure 86 will appear on the November ballot, although few voters know about it.  In fact, there’s no organized effort opposing it, and the committee in favor has only raised about $20,000.  It’s the brainchild of State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, who wants to amend the state constitution to create an endowment that would be used for student financial aid.  The state could take on debt to fill the pot. Or, Wheeler says, the state could seek philanthropic support.

However, even if 86 receives voter approval in November, it could still fail because lawmakers are not obligated to commit the necessary money.  Wheeler said Oregon’s existing state-funded college aid program, known as Opportunity Grants, is inadequate and undependable.

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