OSA Federal Update & United States Student Association National Student Congress
The Oregon Student Association’s mission of improving access and affordability for all students regularly reaches into federal policy. Below are some good articles about the bill that miraculously managed to pass the US House and Senate. OSA has been lobbying our Oregon Congressional Delegation to pass a bi-partisan bill that would limit the previously doubled interest loan rates. This bill is a start and not something students could whole-heartedly support. This bill does however keep interest rates lower in the short term. As the economy improves student loan interest rates as projected to rise.
OSA keeps a finger on the pulse of the national student movement by directing the movement locally and as members of the United States Student Association.
This year the Oregon Student Association used all 7 of our votes at USSA’s National Student Congress in New Brunswick, New Jersey. OSA’s delegates were from LCC, OSU and SOU. The UO also used one of their votes as a direct member of USSA. The Oregon delegation included the experiences of working class students, student veterans, students of color, LGBT identified students, and many other intersecting identities.
Our delegation used their varying personal and education experiences to bring forth proposals student issues; many of which were adopted by the National Student Congress. The following priority issues will direct the work of the USSA’s Board of Directors and its members for 2013-14 academic year.
USSA’s 2013-14 Priority Issues:
USSA’s institutionalized budget campaign which will also include direct lobbying for an improved College Reinvestment Act in the coming year.
Increasing the student voice through our institutionalized voter engagement campaign.
A new campaign targeting a reduction in student debt.
A new campaign on student fee and shared governance legislation.
A number of other internal issues were debated with the hopes of continuing to improve USSA’s national power and influence. Students authored and edited these policy suggestions over many days, culminating in 24.5 hours of debate in 36 hours. OSA sent Emma Kallaway (our new Executive Director) so she could network with our national partners and also co-chair USSA’s plenary debate.
Oregon’s Nationally Elected Representatives:
Alexandra Flores-Quilty USSA Pacific Northwest Regional Chair
Anayeli Jimenez DREAM Caucus Chair
John Price Community College Caucus Chair
OSA will also elect a representative for the remainder of the year. Our interim representative has been Torii Uyehara.
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