A public disinvestment in higher education is occurring at home and across the nation despite overwhelming evidence that an educated citizenry and a trained workforce stimulate the economy. The disinvestment is a serious concern for the future financial stability of higher education and affects our ability to meet training and education needs and support the economic health of the community and the state.

Lane Community College President Mary Spilde will address the loss of state funding over the last five years, tuition and enrollment at Oregon's community colleges, and the opportunities that may be offered by the 2007 legislative session.

George Pernsteiner, Chancellor of the Oregon University System, will discuss the effects this disinvestment has had on developing a viable pool of highly educated workers to meet the demands of the state's diverse industries. Oregon students now pay nearly two-thirds of the cost of their public higher education. Only 10 years ago, they paid about one-third of that cost. Chancellor Pernsteiner will also discuss bold efforts to advance affordability and access to higher education.

Our first question will be asked by Chuck Forster, Executive Director of Lane Workforce Partnership.