BMCC prez has big wish for lawmakers

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Blue Mountain Community College President Mark Browning hopes for one thing during the 2024 session of the Oregon Legislature.

“My hope for this session is generally the hope for every session,” he said. “Do as little damage as possible.”

Browning had words of praise for the lawmakers from Eastern Oregon. He said they are responsive and ready to represent the community college’s needs. He also said that’s not the case for the whole state.

“I am not trying to impugn our legislature,” he said. “We get caught up a lot of times in groundswells of things but there is a framework in place.

Browning said it’s important that lawmakers trust that framework.

He also urged caution following another optimistic economic forecast.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be in the position that we are economically,” he said. “I’m not sure this is going to continue to grow.” Browning said it’s vital that the lawmakers save money instead of just spending it.