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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
One of the privileges of serving in the Oregon State Legislature is the opportunity to learn more about so much affecting the people of Oregon. When I arrived in the Senate five years ago, my experience was primarily in health administration and health care policy, a field which has faced many challenges over the years. Now, however, our health care system is facing even greater stressors.
One is the rising cost for patients, costs which are untenable. I recently heard from a neighbor, a business owner, whose health insurance premiums were scheduled to increase by 40% this year. And costs are rising for healthcare providers, as well. There are no easy answers, but this is not sustainable.
Another challenge is the shortage of health care providers of every type, from medical assistants to RNs to medical specialists. We need more folks in healthcare, particularly as our population ages.
Among the other challenges is one currently in Congress - a bill which proposes massive cuts to Medicaid. This could hurt us all – whether or not we are on Medicaid. About a third of Oregon’s people have Medicaid coverage, either through the Oregon Health Plan, or through the funding that pays for their long-term nursing care. Large cuts to Medicaid could affect everyone, though, as hospitals and clinics would lose revenue, and our Emergency Departments would be even more crowded than they already are, since EDs must, by federal law, see all people regardless of insurance status.
This coming Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, I will be holding an Informational Session in Senate Healthcare to learn more about the possible impact of this proposed legislation on patients and providers in Oregon. We meet in Hearing Room B, and if you are able, I hope you will attend. The meeting will also be streamed online on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) and recorded there for later viewing.
We must protect access to healthcare for everyone here in Oregon, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and community partners to do so.
Sincerely,
Deb
Corporate Practice of Medicine (SB 951) - Passed and Awaiting Governor's Signature
One of my top Health Care priorities, Senate Bill 951, has passed the House, and is awaiting the Governor's signature. I am excited for this piece of legislation to become law, as the bill ensures that actual medical professionals are in charge of practices—closing loopholes that have allowed huge corporations to list a physician as the owner, without actually being in control of the practice. Click here to read an article about the bill.
Oregon Summer EBT - Nutrition Program for Kids
The Summer EBT is a grocery benefits program, set to help households provide food for their school-aged children during summer break. Senator Patterson aided in securing funding for this program last year, and applications are open now, until September 3rd. If interested, please see the flyer below for more information.
If you or your family did not receive their summer EBT automatically last Thursday 5/22, they can apply through the deadline (September 3rd) to see if any children are eligible for the benefits. A notice of eligibility will be sent within 15 days of applying.
Additional resources in 10 languages are available here.
Applications for the Governor's Boards or Commissions
Are you looking for a way to serve your community while having an impact on issues important to you? Consider applying to serve on one of the Governor’s boards or commissions!
By serving on a state board or commission, you can:
- Contribute to state government and serve your fellow Oregonians
- Be part of statewide decision-making
- Participate in developing a wide variety of important governmental policies
- Have an impact on issues important to you and your community
- Learn more about state government and how it works
Members of the Governor’s boards and commissions are vital participants in statewide decision-making and have the opportunity to participate in developing a wide variety of important governmental policies. To learn more about the board system and how to apply, please see here. If you have questions, please reach out to the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov.
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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