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It has been a whirlwind few weeks since my last update! In this newsletter, I'll be sharing some information about the makeup of the state legislature post-election and discuss some healthcare policies I’ll be keeping a close eye on once I’m out of office.
But first, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tragic shooting in Colorado...
This past Saturday, a gunman shot and killed five people and injured at least 25 others at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Patrons of the club bravely subdued the gunman, preventing further loss of life. My thoughts are with the victims, their friends, and their families. Violence against our LGBTQ+ community members is unacceptable, and everyone deserves to feel safe when they are at school, shopping for groceries, or spending time with friends at a nightclub. If you or someone you know has seen or is a victim of a possible bias crime, don't hesitate to reach out to our state hotline: 1-844-924-2427. And if anyone is seeking support to process this tragedy, here is a list of mental health and crisis resources for LGBTQ+ community members.
2023 Oregon Congressional, State, and Legislature Overview
Two weeks ago, we had an exciting election with a record number of incoming state legislators, new congress members, and a new governor. In January, Tina Kotek will begin her term as our new governor, and Christina Stephenson will be the new head of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. We will also be sending an additional representative to Congress, expanding our current delegation to a total of six. This includes our first two Latina delegates: Andrea Salinas of OR 6, and Lori Chavez DeRemer of OR 5.
In the State House, there will be a total of 21 new members - 11 Democrats and 10 Republicans. Of the 60 total members, we will have 35 Democrats and 25 Republicans. In the State Senate, my colleagues will be joined by 6 new members - 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans - a few of whom were formerly State Reps! In total there will be 17 Democrats, 12 Republicans, and 1 Independent next session.
I am pleased to say that there are several incoming healthcare providers in both chambers, showing the urgency many Oregonians feel about tackling issues within our healthcare system as we navigate out of this pandemic.
Many of the House and Senate district numbers have changed due to redistricting, so please don't hesitate to email my office to figure out who your state legislator or congressional representative will be next year.
2023 Healthcare Policy Preview
Next session, the legislature will be addressing several key healthcare issues, a select few of which I have outlined below. I hope you will follow along during that process, as I will, and share your input.
Bridge Health Care Program: The first major package will be to address the 300,000 Oregonians who may lose access to Medicaid once the public health emergency has been rescinded. Earlier this year, the Bridge Health Care Program Task Force was created and charged with developing a plan to phase in these members to a state-based insurance program and allow for continuity of coverage. Ensuring that such families, who would not have qualified for Medicaid before the pandemic, have access to affordable and effective medical care will be essential for keeping our insurance coverage rates up and preventing bad health outcomes during the anticipated recession.
Nurse Staffing Enforcement: The COVID-19 pandemic hit nurses particularly hard - almost a quarter of our state’s active nurse workforce quit this past year. The Oregon Nurses Association and Rep. Nosse, Chair of the House Health Care Committee, will be introducing a bill to help manage staffing levels and put penalties on hospitals that do not meet these requirements. As a former public health nurse, I know that this is just one part of the larger nursing workforce shortage problem. More to come on this issue and the larger nursing workforce package.
Dental Workforce Budget Requests: The dental workforce also took a major hit during COVID-19. This workforce package aims to address needs in the dental industry by giving $5 million to high school pre-health programs, $5 million to college dental assistant and hygiene programs, $7 million towards OHA’s Health Care Provider Incentive Programs to enable all oral health professionals working in priority communities access to incentives to promote retention in these important regions. Additionally, $2 million will be given to create a statewide dental assistant training module for chair-side experience and $1 million to tribes to engage youth in dental professional training programs.
Expansion of the Toxic Free Kids Act: In 2015, Oregon passed a landmark bill that set a national standard for reducing toxins in children's products. Although I was not in office at that time, I advocated for the bill on behalf of the Oregon Nurses Association and participated in coalition meetings with former State Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer! Since then, thousands more chemicals (untested, or known to be toxic) have been introduced in product manufacturing. In 2023, the Oregon Environmental Council is working towards updating our 2015 legislation to stay up-to-date and ban harmful chemicals in children's products.
When talking about healthcare legislation and how our state has navigated the past several years, I would be remiss to not include a thank you to the Oregon Health Authority's Director Patrick Allen. Director Allen has been the driving force behind OHA as we've implemented various important measures and policies toward health equity. And most notably, Governor Brown and Director Allen's management of the COVID-19 pandemic saved thousands of Oregon lives and kept our mortality rates one of the lowest in the country. Director Allen will be leaving his position at OHA in January, so I want to extend a big thank you for his hard work in protecting the well-being of all Oregonians!
 Picture: Governor Brown and Director Allen at a press conference in February 2020 to discuss Oregon’s first confirmed case of COVID-19. Credit to Meerah Powell of OPB.
On a final note, my office learned this week of the passing of longtime Garden Home resident Dr. Patty Bonney. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and reflecting on those we are fortunate to have crossed paths with, I wanted to share Patty’s life with you. Her obituary was featured in the Garden Home History Project - here is a link to her page. Patty was one of our more engaged constituents, she would send us emails and chat with staff about whatever social or environmental legislation she was following that session. Sometimes she reached out just to say thank you. My thoughts are with all of Patty’s family and friends this Thanksgiving as they cope without her loving presence this holiday season. I will always be thankful that constituents like Patty Bonney made serving this district such a joy.
And thank you all as well for continuing to stay engaged as I finish out the last few weeks of my time in the Oregon State Legislature. I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and hope you have time to safely reconnect and recharge as we enter the new year.
I will be publishing one last newsletter next month to share a bigger-picture look at the 2023 session, so stay tuned!
All my best,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/schouten
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