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To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
As we move into the summer season, my work on behalf of our district and region continues. Last week, I chaired a Senate Healthcare Committee meeting during which we explored the costs and financing of hospital care with a focus on children, as well as looking at access to healthcare insurance through the new state-based health insurance marketplace which is set to open to enrollees this November. We also heard about advances in biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of cancers and Alzheimer's disease here in Oregon, which made both local and national news.
During the Senate Committee on Labor and Business, we heard from the State Employment Economist, Gail Krumenaur, on the state of Oregon’s economy and workforce, and heard from the Attorney General’s office about antitrust issues affecting competition in Oregon’s business climate related to the new federal landscape. In the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, we heard updates on work to improve access to needed services at the Oregon State Hospital. And in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development, we discussed state-funded affordable housing development, offering healthcare resources in housing complexes, and had an update on the statewide housing needs analysis.
In addition, the Senate acted on the nominations of many Oregonians from across the State who were appointed to serve on dozens of Oregon boards and commissions. Thank you to each one who has stepped up to serve.
There is still work to be done. I am convening a workgroup related to access to care when hospitals and insurers can’t agree on contract terms continues, with hospital and insurer representatives, along with staff from the Division of Financial Regulation and the Oregon Health Authority. I am also continuing with my work on the Oregon Hunger Task Force. One in every 8 Oregonians depends on a food pantry to help feed their families, a number made more dire by the fact that more than 69,000 residents have lost access to their SNAP benefits.
With the cost of basic necessities going up due to decisions made in Washington D.C., I’m grateful to live here in the mid-Willamette Valley, where our economy is doing better than in other areas, but we must do what we can, together, to ensure that we have an Oregon that works for everyone.
Now that the temperatures have dropped a little and we are expecting to get some badly needed rain over the next few days, I hope you find time to enjoy these early summer days with family and friends. I look forward to staying in touch.
Warmly,
Deb
We Passed a Bill to Prevent Cancer and Protect Women's Health
Early detection of cancer helps patients survive the disease, but unaffordable health care costs can keep people from getting the care they need. That's why I worked with women's health advocates and the American Cancer Society to pass SB 1527, which ends out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer screenings and follow-up exams.
Thanks to amazing advocacy from our partners, SB 1527 was fully bipartisan and passed unanimously in both chambers. I am especially grateful to Representative Annessa Hartman, who publicly shared her cervical cancer story and testified in support of the bill.
I had the recent honor of gathering with advocates and Governor Tina Kotek as the bill was signed into law. I am proud that SB 1527 will help to prevent cervical cancer and save people's lives.
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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