Posts Tagged ‘Senator Alan Bates’

506 gives qualified employees time to grieve after loss of a loved one

SALEM – The Oregon Senate voted in support of Senate Bill 506 this morning, legislation that adds the death of a family member as a reasonable use of leave under the Oregon Family Leave Act.

“Oregon has pioneered family leave laws, setting the example for our federal government and others states,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “I applaud Senator Boquist for introducing this legislation. By adding bereavement leave to Oregon’s law, we reaffirm our commitment that no one should have to choose between their job and their family at a difficult time.”

Continue reading “Senate votes to add bereavement to Oregon Family Leave Act” »

SB 695 bans use of chemical in baby bottles, sippy cups, and reusable water bottles

SALEM – Citing the need to protect children from harmful chemicals, the Oregon Senate voted this morning to ban the sale in Oregon of all baby bottles, sippy cups and reusable water bottles that contain bisphenol-A (BPA). Senate Bill 695 also requires the state’s Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program to offer only infant formula that has exceptionally minimal levels of BPA, and it establishes the “Oregon BPA-Free Advisory Group.”

“Oregon’s children cannot wait any longer—not when doctors, nurses, pediatricians and scientists across the nation are calling for reducing BPA exposures in young children,” said Senator Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.   “The FDA has made it clear that even though it is concerned about BPA, it is unable to act in an effective and timely manner.  With this vote, Oregon continues to lead the way on working to get harmful toxins out of our environment and away from our children.”

BPA is a potentially harmful, estrogen-mimicking chemical that has been linked to certain cancers, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and other health problems.  In 2010 the FDA announced that “recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effect of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children.” BPA is commonly used in the production of plastics and has been shown to leach out of plastics and into food.

“We have a responsibility to protect Oregon’s children and keep them safe from dangerous toxins. BPA can permanently disrupt a child’s development and have lasting harmful effects to their health,” said Senator Alan Bates (D-Medford), a practicing physician. “Infants and children are especially vulnerable to the dangers of toxins like BPA because they have a harder time getting the chemicals out of their growing bodies. This exposure can potentially cause serious health risks, like early-onset puberty and cancer. ”

Continue reading “Legislation protects children’s health from toxic BPA” »

The Oregon Senate Democrats released their 2011 Legislative Agenda this morning during a press availability in the Senate Majority Office. Citing the need to create jobs, protect our children’s futures, and look out for the most vulnerable, Senate Democrats released an agenda that outlines their ideas for how to continue helping Oregonians during these challenging times while finding opportunities for transforming government and improving our economy.

“We recognize that our budget challenges are front and center this session, which makes it more important than ever to have a disciplined and pragmatic agenda that is focused on helping Oregon families and small business,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “This agenda reflects our commitment to Oregonians. We want them to know that we are on their side, whether they are a parent, small business owner, senior, or one of the many still looking for work.”

The 2011 agenda focuses on three key areas:
• Rebuilding the economy by helping Oregon small businesses create jobs and by providing our children with a quality education.
• Supporting Oregon families and businesses that play by the rules by going after those who break the law, cheat consumers, and deceive investors.
• Improving government accountability and responsiveness so we can protect vital services for working families.

Specifically, the agenda includes proposals to expand capital to Oregon businesses, protect investments made in early childhood education, and take a critical look at tax credits to make sure they are creating jobs and stimulating the economy.

“We feel that this agenda really speaks to the concerns we’re hearing from everyday Oregonians,” said Deputy Majority Leader Alan Bates (D-Medford). “They want jobs, small businesses want help getting loans, families want to know someone is looking out for them, and everyone wants to see government work more efficiently. This agenda sets forth policies that will help us meet those goals.”

Both Rosenbaum and Bates stressed their commitment to work across the aisle and with the House and Governor to find solutions to problems that Oregonians care about.

“Our success this session will be in large part be determined by our ability to put partisan politics aside and focus on solutions that work for all Oregonians,” said Rosenbaum. “Our agenda focuses on priorities that I think we all can agree on – like paving the path for recovery, setting our children up for success, and making sure that our state government is getting the greatest value out of every dollar. We can accomplish these goals by working together. The people of Oregon expect nothing less from us.”

To view the complete Senate Democrats’ 2011 Agenda click here.

HB 2009 from 2009 session lays groundwork for expanding access, lowing costs

SALEM – Lawmakers heard testimony Monday morning regarding Oregon’s position to take advantage of the sweeping health care overhaul signed into law by President Obama in March. Reforms passed by the Oregon Legislature in the 2009 session put Oregon ahead of the curve on expanding coverage, lowing costs, and improving the quality of health care in the state.

“Oregon is a national leader for re-thinking how we provide access to quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham), chair of the Interim Senate Committee on Health Care. “We’re remarkably well-positioned to implement reforms and help more Oregonians because of the groundwork laid last session to improve health care in Oregon.”

House Bill 2009 from the 2009 session created a coordinated, streamlined approach to health care reform by establishing the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health Policy Board. The Authority and Board oversee all health care functions, including the implementation of expanded coverage and reforms to contain skyrocketing costs.

“Oregon is a model to other states on how to structure reform and cover more people in need,” said Senator Alan Bates (D-Ashland), a physician and co-author of the Healthy Oregon Act of 2007 and HB 2009. “While the journey toward universal coverage and lowering costs for everyone will take time, we’re leaps and bounds ahead of most of the nation.”

Affordable and accessible health care for all Oregonians has been a long-standing priority for the Oregon Senate Democrats. Giving uninsured Oregonians access to health care coverage is estimated to lower the burden of costs for all Oregonians over time, for those with and without health insurance. At the same time, this expansion of health care services will create thousands of family-wage jobs for Oregonians.

SB 1059 is the product of a diverse work group established in the 2009 session

Legislation that will help governments make decisions about how to develop smart, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation systems passed in the Senate this afternoon. Senate Bill 1059 lays the groundwork for communities to plan for future population and employment growth while reducing greenhouse gases.

“This bill deals with one important piece of the climate puzzle – transportation,” said Senator Alan Bates (D-Ashland), who carried the bill on the floor. “We must design our cities more efficiently, everything from timing our traffic signals to increasing our ability to run errands with fewer or shorter trips in the car. This bill sets the stage for progress.”

A task force established by the 2009 Legislature proposed Senate Bill 1059, which would assist Oregon’s six major metropolitan areas to develop plans to broaden transportation choices while also helping Oregon meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Continue reading “Bill sets the stage for tackling transportation & greenhouse gas reductions” »