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Dear Friends & Neighbors,
I am proud to be working with my newest colleague, Representative Rob Nosse, who was sworn in as the State Representative for House District 42 on July 7, 2014. Rob will be a huge asset to the Oregon Legislature, and I eagerly anticipate working together on behalf of our community.
Senator Diane Rosenbaum and newly appointed Representative Rob Nosse.
U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Hobby Lobby Case
At the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court released its shocking decision in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case. This distressing decision allows private employers to deny coverage for certain types of birth control or other medical coverage based on religious objections. A very divided Supreme Court voted 5 to 4 to set a dangerous precedent that threatens medical privacy and equal treatment for employees of private corporations and other entities. Luckily for Oregonians, in 2007 I helped champion passage of the Access to Birth Control Act which mandated all prescription birth control methods must be included in any health plan with prescription benefits. Because of that law, women in Oregon may be more protected from this damaging ruling than women in virtually any other state. I plan on continuing the fight to keep Oregon a leader in protecting women’s health and personal choices.
Senator Rosenbaum, 2013 winner of Planned Parenthood's Courageous Voice Award, with 2014 recipient Senator Jeff Merkley, Representative Mary Nolan, and Secretary of State Kate Brown.
Voter Registration and the November 4th Election
The November 4th election will include choosing Oregon’s Governor and other vital decisions. If you are not registered, or have recently moved, please be sure to register by October 14, 2014 to vote in the November General Election. You can register for the first time or update your voting information online HERE if you have an Oregon issued identification card.
This week the Oregon Secretary of State certified several initiatives submitted in 2014. Here is a list of the citizen initiatives and legislative referrals that will be on the November 4th ballot:
Citizen Initiatives
Measure 89: Equal Rights Amendment For Women to be Equal to Men- Amends Constitution: State/political subdivision shall not deny or abridge equality of rights on account of sex.
Measure 90: Open Primary Initiative - Changes general election nomination processes: provides for single primary ballot listing candidates; top two advance.
Measure 91: Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act of 2014 - Allows possession, manufacture, sale of marijuana by/to adults, subject to state licensing, regulation, taxation.
Measure 92: Labeling of Genetically Engineered Raw and Packaged Food - Requires food manufacturers, retailers to label "genetically engineered" foods as such; state, citizens may enforce.
Legislative Referrals & Referendum
Measure 86: Oregon Opportunity Initiative – Amends Constitution: Requires creation of fund for Oregonians pursuing post-secondary education, authorizes state indebtedness to finance fund.
Measure 87: Employment of Judges – Amends Constitution: Permits employment of state judges by National Guard (military service) and state public universities (teaching).
Measure 88: Driver Cards – Provides Oregon resident “driver card” without requiring proof of legal presence in the United States.
Consumer Protection Resources
Do you need information about insurance in Oregon or help in disputing decisions made by your insurance company? The Insurance Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services is a great resource. The Insurance Division has a team of experienced consumer advocates who are available to help with problems and decision making related to health, auto, life, or other types of insurance. The service is free and confidential and advocates are available Monday through Friday 8 to 5, and can be reached over the phone at 1-888-877-4894, and online HERE.
Portlandia’s in Town!
On a lighter note, Portlandia is currently filming their fifth season out and about in District 21. I had the great pleasure of visiting the set during the filming of Portlandia’s third season, and look forward to the upcoming season which I’m sure will feature some hilarious new sketches. I would also like to congratulate Fred Armisen on his recent Emmy nomination for Supporting Actor and let him know that I am rooting for him to win!
Senator Rosenbaum and Multnomah County Commissioner/Former Representative Jules Bailey visit the set of Portlandia at the Clinton St. Theatre, pictured with staff and actors Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, and Rosanne Barr.
Photo Credit Frank DiMarco Photography.
Summer Events in Our District
Finally, our neighborhood has some exciting community events in the last half of summer, and I would encourage you to enjoy them:
• Friday, August 1 – First Friday Milwaukie, 5-9PM in downtown Milwaukie.
• Tuesday, August 5 – National Night Out, various times and locations.
• Sunday, August 17 – Hawthorne Street Fair, 11AM-7PM along Hawthorne Boulevard.
• Sunday, August 24 – Southeast Portland Sunday Parkways, 11AM-4PM at Laurelhurst, Colonel Summers and Ivon Parks.
• Saturday, September 13 – Belmont Street Fair, 11AM-7PM along Belmont Street.
As always, I value your input, questions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me or my Legislative Aide Michaela Gore with your concerns. We can be reached at 503-986-1721 (Capitol), 503-231-9970 (District), or by emailing sen.dianerosenbaum@state.or.us. I look forward to hearing from you!
All my best,
Senator Diane Rosenbaum
Senate Majority Leader
District 21
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