Budget cuts eliminates state funding for student parents

Student parents may lose the only form of state funding they have

By: Amanda Robbins

Posted: 4/26/07

The Senate is considering a budget cut that would eliminate the only state-funded program designed to help student parents stay in school.

According to the Oregon Department of Human Service, the Student Child Care Program gives Oregon a limited amount of funds to help students pay for childcare.

Currently, 230 people statewide get this funding, but there is a waiting list of 1,800, according to Stephanie Duckett, the OSU student parent advocate.

"The budget cut will only affect about five students at OSU," Duckett said. "If I put someone on the waiting list when they enter OSU as a freshman, then they might see the money as a senior."

Although the budget cut will not affect many students at OSU, it will affect many students statewide.

"Students are asking why this is happening," said Courtney Sproule, the OSA communications director. "Child care costs are higher than tuition costs."

This proposed budget cut prompted the organization of a rally in May.

"We will be collecting 'helping hands' cards," Sproule said. "Students will be able to write on these cards how the program benefited them."

ASOSU has stepped up to help student parents with the extra costs.

"As long as the student government has stepped up like ours has, we will have no problems," Duckett said.

The budget for the Student Child Care Program has been decreasing in the last few years and it is no surprise to that the budget is getting cut, Duckett said.

"Final reduction of the program is the end result. Frustrating, yes; surprising, no," she said.

Some students at OSU are disappointed as well.

"Child care is something that is important," said Amy Carnahan, a senior in liberal studies and pre-education. "It is more important than what people give it credit for. If we cut that program then however many students that have that funding will not be able to come back to school."

Sproule is not just worried about the students who are having their funding cut, she is also worried about what will happen to the future generations.

"Getting a degree is the best thing that a parent can do for their children," Sproule said. "Not only will it give the parents a better job, but it will give their children a better chance to go to a university in the future."