Our vision is health equity for all communities, and that means we are committed to the long-term work of changing how big systems such as the health care system and the criminal justice system work. We also know that we will not be able to pass equity-based policies without a working democracy where elected leaders show up to do the work of the people of Oregon, as they were elected to do. Last month, voters decided to take steps toward these changes by passing three important ballot measures: Voters approved Measure 111, the Right to Healthcare measure Now Oregon’s constitution protects the right of every Oregonian to access affordable healthcare. Voters approved Measure 112 to remove Oregon's "Slavery Loophole." Oregon has finally removed references to slavery and a loophole for “involuntary servitude” as a punishment for a crime from our state constitution. Voters approved Measure 113 to Hold Politicians Accountable And together, voters decided to hold Oregon lawmakers to the same standard regular Oregonians are held to: to show up and do the job they applied for as state lawmakers, or be held accountable if they do not. This new law will help to shape the upcoming 2023 Oregon legislative session. It will be the first time in years that Oregon's legislature won't have the threat of legislative walk outs hanging over all of us. This is good news for bold, equity-based policy making and for the health of our state democracy.
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