The 2009 Legislative Session just adjourned. Although the economic crisis resulted in cuts to many important programs and services, the good news is that lawmakers had the same priority as the rest of us: protecting children and helping vulnerable Oregonians through this difficult time.
More Oregonians than ever before are struggling in this difficult economy and demand for services has hit record levels and will probably continue to grow. Cash assistance (TANF), food stamps and the Oregon Health Plan have all experienced double digit increases. Drastic cuts in health and human services at this time of increased need would only cost us more in the long run, so the legislature rose to the challenge and made sure Oregonians will get the help they need.
Lawmakers found every way possible to maximize state resources, leverage federal stimulus dollars and make sure wealthy individuals and large, profitable corporations will pay their fair share. This resulted in a number of crucial wins for Oregon kids!
Expanded health care coverage for 80,000 additional Oregon children. Families will now have the peace of mind knowing that childhood bumps and bruises won’t turn into life-long health problems, and medical emergencies won’t drive families into bankruptcy.
Stopped many deep budget cuts that would have devastated vulnerable children and their families. Although there are still many devastating cuts in human services, the legislature did not significantly reduce eligibility for Employment Related Day Care and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as originally discussed.
Protected and enhanced many aspects of the child welfare system that helps kids stay out of foster care or return home faster. Specifically services that address the reasons families come into the system, helping to keep families together whenever possible.
Today was a great day for Oregon’s children and families. Oregon lawmakers passed sweeping legislation that will provide health care coverage to 95 percent of Oregon’s uninsured children over the next two years.
This is a tremendous victory that means 80,000 more children will gain access to the health coverage they need, and Oregon is once again leading the way when it comes to health care.
In addition to the important vote for children’s health coverage, lawmakers approved a revenue package that will save crucial services for children and families in the midst of the worst financial crisis our state has faced in decades. Although $1.6 billion will still be cut from the state budget, this revenue package will protect many of the critical services that remain.
Work remains, but today let’s take a minute to celebrate these momentous legislative victories for our children.
Become a member of the Women for Change Network today! The Women for Change Network is a group of women who are committed to helping support the health and wellness of Oregon’s most vulnerable children. It is about connecting like-minded women to face the biggest issues for kids and families, because together we can create broad, long-lasting change. Benefits include receiving ‘members only’ action alerts, advocacy training, and invitations to in-person policy briefings/happy hours. Click here to for more information about how to become a member.
Oregon teens in foster care find support in Salem for clearing obstacles to driver’s licenses
This story appeared in The Oregonian on Monday, May 20, 2009.
By Michelle Cole
SALEM—Like most Oregon teens, Zachary Miller couldn’t wait to get his driver’s permit.
He took the test just before his 16th birthday and passed the first time. But things took a wrong turn when the clerk at the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office wanted to see his birth certificate.
Miller, who lives in Ashland and has been in state foster care for two years, asked his caseworker for the document. Sorry, she told him, the supervisor wouldn’t allow it.
The high school sophomore was not just disappointed he couldn’t get his permit; he became determined. Now Miller and other current and former foster youths are on track to score a legislative win rare for first-time lobbyists. And along the way, they’ve made some political friends that even the most seasoned Capitol insiders would envy.
Teens in foster care routinely encounter roadblocks when they try to get their driver’s licenses. Technically, the state has no rule against it. But it’s not uncommon for caseworkers and foster parents to ask teens to wait until they’re out of state care, said Kevin George, Oregon’s foster program manager.
We’re happy to share with you our first story of a local foster youth during National Foster Care Month.
Katie is 19 years old, and lived in 10 different foster homes throughout her life.
She’s now the Vice-Chair of the Oregon Foster Youth Connection, and hopes that by sharing her story she can help the 15,000 foster kids who pass through the system every year.
Since 1988, May has been celebrated as National Foster Care Month.
The month has been used to raise awareness regarding the issues facing nearly 500,000 youth in foster care across the United States.
This year, Pamela Butler, Policy & Outreach Associate at Children First for Oregon (CFFO) recorded a short video to talk with you about the work CFFO is doing with the Oregon Foster Youth Connection, and the 2009 duffle bag drive.
