BEND, OR -- Governor Kate Brown was in Bend Wednesday to sign HB 5702, a $39 million statewide investment in a new academic building at OSU Cascades. University Vice President Becky Johnson say the process to get the funds was an arduous one, involving people not just from the college, but also legislators, community leaders, and business owners. Johnson told the crowd, "Many of those community members took the time to make their voices heard in Salem during the last few legislative sessions. I wouldn't be surprised if the Governor says she's tired of hearing from Central Oregonians." Amid laughter, Brown responded, Never!" The new building will be dedicated to STEAM studies: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
State Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) says the bill's approval was a long time coming, but says he knew it would happen once Brown threw in her support. "Many of you, like me, were disappointed at the outcome of the '17 session. But, I got a call from the Governor after that session, and she made a commitment that she would work with me and the Central Oregon delegation, to get to where we needed to be for the new academic building and for the bonds for OSU Cascades." State Representative (R-Powell Butte) and La Pine Mayor Dennis Scott also attended the bill signing.
