Student debt is a significant and growing issue for many young people in Central Oregon and throughout the US. Students often receive a mix of support from personal, private, and government sources and understanding the financial ins-and-outs of the aid they receive is critical to ensuring loans are paid back on time. Senate Bill 253 will improve students’ understanding of their financial aid packages by requiring higher education institutions to specifying the amount of education loans received as well as the approximate remaining loan amount owed upon graduation. I sponsored SB 253 because I believe students need to have adequate information about the costs of their education so they can make the best decisions possible and prevent them from significant financial harm. The bill passed the Senate with no opposition and is being considered in the House.

Last week the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness, held hearings on House Concurrent Resolutions 1, 9, and 10. HCR 1 designates Agness, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Hood River, Jordan Valley, Medford, Richland, Portland, Salem, and The Dalles as ‘Medal of Honor’ communities. HCR 9 honors Medal of Honor recipient and Bend resident Technician Fifth Grade Robert Maxwell(pictured). HCR 10 commends the Bend Heroes Foundation for its work recognizing and honoring veterans. The resolutions were passed out of the Senate committee and will head to the Senate floor for approval in coming days. It is a special privilege to be able to honor the men and women who have given their lives for our country and our values.