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Hello Friends,
On Tuesday, I voted for House Bill 2010 to protect Oregon’s Medicaid expansion because all Oregonians deserve health care. I supported this bill because it is critical for people to have decent affordable health care and it is an important issue for House District 31.
More than 1.1 million Oregonians are insured through the Oregon Health Plan or private insurance offered through the Oregon Marketplace. In Columbia County 25% of our population receives health care coverage through these programs. The Medicaid expansion program enrolled an additional 4,315 residents in Columbia County who were not insured through these other programs, many of these people are receiving affordable health care for the first time in their lives.
Revenue to fund this program comes from the federal government and an Oregon medical provider assessment, (or tax) on hospital net revenue. Oregon is one of 49 states that uses a provider assessment to fund its Medicaid program. HB 2010 was negotiated as part of a larger budget package for the Oregon Health Plan among a diverse group of stakeholders.
Rep Witt at March for Our Students
Oregonians supporting education took advantage of the President’s Day school holiday to hold a March for Our Students on the Oregon State Capitol Steps. More than four thousand teachers, parents and students participated and filled the halls of the Capitol.
Funding for education is a priority this session, Governor Brown has proposed increasing school spending by $2 billion in the 2019-21 biennium, which education advocates say is needed to reduce class sizes and increase staffing with nurses, librarians and classroom aides to better meet student needs.
I believe that equity in education is as important as education itself. Kids in rural Oregon should receive the same level of quality education as their counterparts do in urban and suburban Oregon. Students should receive the best education available, so they are prepared for successful futures and fulfilling lives. The students of today truly are the leaders of tomorrow, and we need to support their educational efforts.
To best represent House District 31, I need to hear from you. If you are planning a trip to the State Capitol, let my office know a few days in advance so we can schedule an appointment. My office is H-382, and it’s always good to visit with friends and neighbors from the district. If you have a concern or comment about a state agency or proposed legislation, you can write, phone or email my office.
Thanks for reading my newsletter.
Brad
email: Rep.BradWitt@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1431
address: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
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