Forward Oregon

I’ve got the flu. YAY!!! best way ever to start the new year! But I thought I would give the top 5 Oregon Legislature accomplishments of 2007, according to Forward Oregon.

1.  The Oregon Equality Act:  Before this legislation passed, you could fire someone, evict them, or deny them a seat at a restaurant because they were gay.  This is a huge step towards equality for all Oregonians.  Major props go to Basic Right Oregon, Rep. Tina Kotek , Sen. Kate Brown, and many others for their tireless advocacy in addition to House Speaker Jeff Merkley, Jon Isaacs, and everybody at FuturePAC for getting enough House Democrats elected in 2006 to make this happen.
2. The Oregon Family Fairness Act: This bill created Domestic Partnerships to protect Oregon families.  The credit goes to the same advocates listed above for both getting enough Democrats elected and then hammering through these significant protections for families.
3. Renewable Portfolio Standard:  This bill is landmark legislation for the implementation of renewable energy standards in Oregon.  The bill requires that by 2025, 25% all of the non-hydro power in Oregon must come from renewable sources.  This impressive effort to fight global warming comes was another bill that was able to pass due to House Democratic election success.  Also deserving of props are Sen. Brad Avakian and Rep. Jackie Dingfelder, who shepherded the bill through their respected committees.
4. Majority Sign Up: This bill allows workers to form a union when 50% of workers sign up.  This prevents employer intimidation which is frequent during the waiting period that was a part of the previous law.  Unions are the lifeblood of the working middle class and this legislation allows more Oregonians to access their benefits.  Props go out to Reps. Mike Schauffler, Dianne Rosenbaum and Speaker Merkley along with Sens. Brown Avakian, and Walker.  Of course one cannot forget the Oregon AFL-CIO.
5. Shared Responsibility Model: The Shared Responsibility Model is an innovative new model for need-based aid in Oregon that would reinstate students’ ability to work our way through college, as did generations before us.   Props go to Governor Kulongoski for leadership and the Oregon Student Association for their advocacy.

Remember that none of these great legislative success would be possible without the 31 Democrats that Jeff Merkley and FuturePAC helped get elected.  If you haven’t used your 2007 Oregon Political Tax Credit do so TODAY, or it runs out!  A great place to do that is at Forward Oregon’s ActBlue page.  Support Jeff Merkley and Forward Oregon’s other candidates before time runs out!