Contact: Mike Westling
(503) 498-8161
mike@brinkcomm.com
Salem, Ore.—On the final day of the 2017 Oregon Legislative Session, Fair Shot for All Director Heather Stuart released the following statement on behalf of the coalition:
“While Oregon’s economy continues to grow, many Oregonians, especially women and people of color, are being left behind. At the beginning of the 2017 session, Fair Shot for All set out an ambitious agenda to champion legislation that would create economic opportunities for working families and address longstanding racial and gender inequities.
“Although much of the focus in Salem has been on issues that have caused gridlock and disagreement, this session will ultimately be remembered for what was accomplished for working families: extending health care coverage to every kid in the state, expanding access to affordable reproductive health care to all Oregonians, and securing resources for tracking and ending law enforcement profiling. And while lawmakers did not approve paid family and medical leave insurance or tenant protections that would help keep families in their homes amidst a statewide housing crisis, Fair Shot for All raised the dialogue on both issues and built support that will carry forward to future sessions.
“Since the coalition launched in 2014, Fair Shot for All has been committed to amplifying the voices of working Oregonians from across the state. In 2017, members of the Fair Shot for All coalition spent thousands of hours making phone calls, sending letters, testifying at hearings, and meeting with legislators to make sure those voices were heard. These wins bolster Oregon’s emerging role as a national leader for working families, taking real action to advance racial and gender equity amidst efforts from the nation’s capital to roll back workers’ rights. While we have much to celebrate, our work is far from done. This coalition will be back—stronger and with even more resolve to ensure all Oregonians have a fair shot.”