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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
This week, I had the privilege of joining the contingent of Oregon legislators, along with Senators Lew Frederick and Chris Gorsek, in attending the Annual Summit of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, held in British Columbia. We discussed topics of interest shared in common by BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Top concerns were the availability and affordability of housing, managing wildfire, addressing energy needs while reducing dependence on carbon fuels, partnerships with First Nation/Indigenous communities, growing infrastructure for electric vehicles charging and energy storage, use of artificial intelligence, and tourism economics, among other issues.
It was gratifying to network with so many other leaders from across the region in discussing these issues. Of note, however, was one issue that was NOT a common concern – namely, providing healthcare to all. While inflation and workforce issues certainly are affecting the provincial healthcare systems as they are affecting our healthcare providers here, the issue of how to provide affordable healthcare coverage for all was not a concern raised by any of the Canadian leaders. In fact, the United States Ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen, mentioned the investment by Canada in the development of two new facilities to develop vaccines there.
The Olympics, as we know, are going on now in Paris, and the United States is highly competitive in every one of the sports. This is wonderful. We must, however, do better to be highly competitive in industry with our trading partners who provide healthcare at an affordable rate to their citizens and permanent residents. That would be a real win for Oregon and for our nation!
Kind regards,
Deb
 Helping Kids Get to School Safely
Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School was featured in a recent OPB article about local initiatives to promote pedestrian and cyclist safety! Click here to read the article about the work to help students safely walk, roll, or bike to school.
New State Laws and Programs Effective July 1, 2024
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OHP Bridge is a new Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefit package that covers adults with higher incomes. Even if you were not eligible for other OHP programs before, you might be eligible for OHP Bridge. That is because OHP Bridge has higher income limits.
Oregonians can apply for OHP Bridge using Oregon's ONE System at ONE.Oregon.gov or via HealthCare.gov. Learn more about OHP Bridge at OHP.Oregon.gov/Bridge.
- Under the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OPCA), Oregonians have new consumer rights to manage and safeguard their personal data, such as the right to know which businesses received your personal data, the right to opt out, and more. Click here to learn more.
- Important changes to the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) and Paid Leave Oregon took effect earlier this month. Click here to view a summary of the changes or visit this website 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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