I apologize for not sending Public Policy Updates more frequently in the past several months. The reason generally relates to our recent COVID-induced Zoom chat world. It’s been tough to figure out what is going on and each time I began to write something, I would become aware of an up or downturn in the potential success of the particular legislative issue. Lots of decisions were held off until the last week of the Session, and indeed the last few days and hours were a whirlwind of legislative activity.

Before I begin – I urge you to see “Meet the First Woman Officially Drafted by the NBA.” It’s available at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/opinion/lusia-harris-basketball-nba.html.  It’s quite moving. Let me know what you think!

Here is our Agenda:

While we have a moment or two to relax, I’d like to ask you to respond to a couple of questions. So, in your opinion:

1. What (a) has worked, (b) hasn’t worked, or (b) should / could work as a Branch Public Policy program or project? The more specific the answer, the better, and I’m sneaking in a follow up query: “why or why not?” As to the “could be” question, feel free to step outside the box!

2. Are you or is there someone you believe would be interested in joining the State Public Policy Committee? Any ideas on how we might be more successful in engaging those members with potential interest in joining?

The reason for the inquiry is that I’m in the process of gathering info for my presentation at our Summer Skills conference Monday, August 23, 7:00 PM. I hope to talk about and discuss how Branches can most effectively engage in AAUW of OR Public Policy for 2022 and Beyond. We will probably also consider how State and Branch collaboration might foster this process. You are the experts here and I would appreciate any and all input. I’m hoping that one or two of you might even be willing to join me at the conference in presenting examples of programs and projects that worked (or didn’t). I look forward to hearing from you!

The answer — as to our three primary priorities — is that I am mostly disappointed. That said, the State Public Policy Committee and I are engaged in the process of reviewing why we weren’t more successful and identifying what strategies we should adopt in to turn that around. Can’t win ’em all!

The good news — high school students must now complete one 1/2 credit in civics out of the 24 credits needed for graduation. There will be a period of time in which curricula will be developed and this requirement won’t apply to diplomas until 2026. Erin Esparsa and The Classroom Law Project took the lead in this effort, but we added our strong voice advocating for this change. The State Public Policy Civics Subcommittee Chair, Jo Rossman, did a great job of keeping us on track too! Thanks Jo!

The not-so-good news. Neither the corporate board diversity bill, nor the bill setting up and financing a Task Force to study age discrimination in the workforce passed. Needless to say, once we determine why these bills didn’t pass, the State Public Policy Committee and I can develop more effective strategies to encourage a more positive outcome. We aren’t giving up!

The great news — save the best for last!! — we had over 35 AAUW of OR members send emails to legislators, Committees and Committee Chairs in support of the corporate board diversity bill. This kind of support is critical to AAUW of OR’s advocacy efforts. I keep telling legislators that our members read, can write letters to the editor and vote. Voicing our support or opposition for legislation bolsters our influence and demonstrates that we are listening!! And will vote accordingly!

At the beginning of the season the State Public Policy Committee identified a number of bills that we wished to support and then filed testimony for each bill at Committee hearings. I’m attaching a list of those bills and whether they passed or not. The verdict? Good!! What do you think? Are out Public Policy efforts heading in the right direction? If you want me to send you copy of the testimony on a bill, just let me know.

A lot was accomplished during this Session. Here is a summary of bills that made it across the legislative finish line:

– A proposed Constitutional amendment which will affirm that healthcare is a human right; it will be referred for a public vote.

– Teleheatlh got a big boost which will hopefully improve access for patients in rural and underserved areas. Persons may also not act as pharmaceutical representatives without first obtaining a license.

– A Prescription Drug Affordability Board was created to perform an annual review of prices for 9 drugs and at least one insulin product and report back to the legislature.  As you may perceive, there’s more to come on the drug pricing issue!

– It is now unlawful to discriminate in providing dental treatment.

– Pharmacists can provide HIV screening and prescribe certain related medications.

– Lots of money was authorized to be spent in this area.

– Rural broadband was expanded to allow for greater rural and community access.

– Certain taxpayer exemptions were approved for property destroyed by wildfire last year.

– Lots of money was authorized to be spent here (a record $9.3 billion)

– Students must have free access to tampons and sanitary pads at public schools.

– GED students can participate in interscholastic activities.

– Limits were imposed on the use of suspensions and expulsions in early learning programs.

– Teacher caseload was deemed a legitimate item for collective bargaining.

– No campaign spending limits were passed. Of course, new legislative voting districts will be drawn by the legislature following the August 16th release of census data. I believe a draft plan for redistricting will be issued on or about September 7th. There will be a number of opportunities to weigh in on this process so let me know you are interested in doing so.

– This is a BIGGIE – $50 million appropriated to foster clean energy and setting a goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. I believe that is the most ambitious state goal to date. AAUW of OR and League of Women Voters of OR member Kathy Moyd did some excellent advocacy work in getting this legislation passed.  Thanks Kathy!

– Another BIGGIE relates to recyclingAAUW BILLS Final 2021 TALLY This isn’t my area of expertise, but I’ll try and give a go at a summary. It requires a producer/recycler responsibility organization to establish and implement programs to clean up and prevent litter and marine debris no later than July 1, 2028. DEQ is required to establish and maintain a uniform statewide collection list of materials appropriate to be collected through commingled recycling programs. It sets a

goal that the statewide recycling rate for plastic be at least 25 percent for calendar year 2039, at least 50 percent by 2040; and at least 70 percent by 2050. A 15-member Truth in Labeling Task Force is authorized to study and evaluate misleading or confusing claims regarding recyclability of products made about a product. Persons without a site permit cannot operate a comingled recycling processing facility.

– “Healthy Homes” investment in home repairs for low income Oregonians

– A few of these bills are mentioned in the list of AAUW of OR Priority Bills (attached above), but there were almost 20 other bills that could be included in this category. Some highlights: establishment of a Commission on Statewide Law Enforcement Standards of Conduct and Discipline which will adopt uniform statewide standards of conduct that must be followed by community oversight boards, agencies, review bodies and arbitrators; authorization of the creation of local civilian oversight boards; increased public access and transparency; law enforcement must be trained to investigate crimes motivated by gender bias; clarification of criteria for an arrest for interfering with a police officer; development of a statewide pre-employment background check system; mugshots and photos of persons who have been arrested generally can’t be publicly distributed; limits were placed on the receipt of military-grade equipment from the federal government; and requirement for training in airway and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There’s more, but this should give you an idea of what happened in this area.

Firstly, many sincere thanks go to everyone who participated in AAUW of OR Public Policy activities this last year. At least to my mind, active public policy participation represents the heart and soul of who we are and who we strive to be.

Secondly, if you haven’t already done so, I’d appreciate your reviewing and responding to item #1 in this Report — The Survey Says ………!