Laura Etherton, OSPIRG Advocate

OSPIRG member,

How did the public interest fare in the 2007 Oregon legislative session? Are consumers better off? Is our democracy stronger? Did we successfully stand up to the powerful interests to win real results?

I’m pleased to report that our analysis of the session is very positive. The Legislature made tremendous progress on issues ranging from health insurance and prescription drugs, to college costs, identity theft, payday loans and energy efficiency. It was the most successful session in over a decade.

Of course, there’s plenty more work to do. We didn’t pass everything on our list. The lending industry blocked limits on predatory mortgages. A bill to provide more robust health insurance rate review stalled. The tobacco lobby thwarted direct passage of the Healthy Kids Plan, and the plan will only move forward if voters approve it in November.

But our progress for the public interest gives us momentum.

And it’s momentum we’ll put to good use as we keep pushing for reforms and as we take on the next challenges facing Oregon.

Sincerely,

Laura Etherton, Advocate
LauraE@ospirg.org