Tracking Where Oregon State Legislators Stand
By: State: Oregon
In the 2007 legislative session, AARP Oregon initiated for the first time a state vote tracking program. It was designed to meet the call of AARP members across the state who wanted to know more about the policy debates in Salem and where their elected officials stand on key issues.
Tracked votes were based on stringent AARP guidelines:
- The subject was a key AARP issue that would make a positive social difference.
- AARP had a clear position on the legislation that the organization was actively advocating.
- AARP outlined its position in advance of the vote.
- Legislators were assured that the issue—and not politics—was AARP's only concern.
Legislators' votes were recorded nine times on six bills that would provide health insurance to Oregon children and reform the state’s health care system, as well as on three consumer protection measures to prevent identity theft and predatory payday and mortgage lending.
AARP’s vote tabulations are for information purposes only and do not reflect an endorsement or censure of any legislator. AARP is a strictly nonpartisan organization. How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, an effort that should also include such factors as constituent services and committee work.
- House bills 2201 and 2967—Providing medical coverage for uninsured children up to age 18 by adding 84.5 cents per pack to Oregon’s cigarette tax (two votes, first as House bill 2201, then as House bill 2967). Both bills failed to pass.
- House bill 2871—Halting predatory interest rates of 500 percent, instead instituting a 36 percent cap. Bill passed and became law.
- Senate bill 329—Establishing the Oregon Health Fund Board to develop a comprehensive plan that will provide all Oregonians with access to quality health care. Bill passed and became law.
- Senate bill 583—Setting standards for safeguarding personal information and allowing consumers to place security freezes on credit files. Bill passed and became law.
- Senate bill 965—Eliminating predatory mortgage lending practices and helping consumers preserve their status as homeowners. Bill failed to pass.
Other Resources
Oregon State Legislature—to get more information or to contact your legislator: 503-986-1000
Oregon State Government—the state of Oregon’s official Web site
Oregon Channel—gavel-to-gavel, unedited television coverage of state government and public affairs, including live coverage of Capitol events when the Legislature is in session.
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