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I’m writing this on a beautiful Friday afternoon before heading out for a walk. It’s hard to step away from this work, though, even for a short time, because there are so many pressing needs, as my Chief of Staff, Megan Wai, would confirm. Some folks are struggling to find a primary care doctor, others are having a hard time affording their medications. Some people are wondering about the fairness in the way that property taxes are assessed, while others are struggling with unscrupulous contractors and billing practices. It breaks my heart to hear the stories of seniors on fixed incomes who have been taken advantage of, sometimes stripped of life savings, by people they trusted. There ought to be a law...
Thankfully, most times, the law can help those who have been wronged, although obviously, there are times when the laws need to be updated. Other issues, such as access to primary care, must be addressed systemically, and I’m grateful for the work of the Governing Board on Universal Healthcare, which will make recommendations to the Legislature on access to care. There is much work to be done in this regard, from helping to expand access to medical residencies, to making studies in the healthcare professions more affordable, particularly for those going in to primary care or planning to work in underserved communities.
In the meantime, we are trying to shine a light on what is happening in our State, such as through the informational hearings on the growing presence of private equity investments in healthcare last year. This coming year, our Senate Healthcare informational sessions will focus on transparency in billing, marketing, and of ownership of healthcare entities. I will be participating with others from Oregon in a national cohort studying healthcare transparency, in collaboration with the Center for Health Care Strategies.
Thank you for reaching out to our office with your concerns about what you see and are experiencing in Oregon. Together, we can make this an Oregon that works for everyone!
Enjoy the sunshine,
Deb
Groundbreaking of Bridgeway Medical Clinic
It was an honor to join the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Bridgeway Community Health Medical Clinic last week. Bridgeway Community Health does wonderful work here in our district, and I was proud to partner with them this year to secure $11.5 million in state funding to build a sobering center and more residential drug treatment beds in Salem.
Applications Opening for Housing Waiting Lists
Salem Housing Authority will be accepting applications for multiple waiting lists, starting at 9:00am on Saturday, April 27, 2024, and closing at 11:59pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Click here to see more information or learn how to apply.
Ribbon Cutting of New Monmouth City Hall
Please join the celebration of Monmouth's new City Hall on Thursday, April 25. There will be an official ribbon cutting, refreshments, tours, and more, beginning at 5:30pm at 151 Main Street W.
Public Hearing for Proposed Kroger-Albertsons Merger
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reviewing the planned merger between Kroger and Albertsons to understand how it might affect pharmacy services in Oregon. OHA has convened a Community Review Board for this review, and the board is hosting a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 1:00PM.
The public hearing will:
- Provide information about the transaction and OHA’s review.
- Allow representatives from Kroger and Albertsons to provide testimony and answer questions.
- Allow members of the public to provide comments.
If you would like to attend the hearing, please click here to register. To learn more about this transaction and OHA’s review, please visit our website or email hcmo.info@oha.oregon.gov with any questions.
OHA is accepting public comments throughout its review. You can submit a comment at any time by emailing hcmo.info@oha.oregon.gov or calling 503-945-6161 to leave a voicemail. Please mention “Kroger” in your message. Comments will be posted to our website.
Share Your Story: How Have Medication Costs Affected You?
The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is hosting community forums around the state. Join to learn why drug costs are so high and help us identify solutions. Please join to share your story with board staff about how medication costs have affected you.
There will be both in-person and online forums during April and May. Click here for more information.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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