Rex for Metro

I thought I would never see the day, but yesterday, Congress finally took historic and concrete steps toward changing our inefficient and inequitable health care system. There are at least three reasons why I am excited that this long-sought change has finally happened:

• The rising costs of providing decent health care for the employees at Metro, increasing more than 10% per year for several years running, threatens my ability to make sure our citizens are getting the services that they pay for. High health care costs means fewer employees to do the work and less resources for caring for our natural areas, for taking care of animals at the Zoo, for keeping the Oregon Convention Center humming and bringing in money to the region and more.
• On a personal level, my son turned 25 last year and he was dropped by my insurance company. Because he had hurt his back and been treated many years ago, he became one of the statistics as a person with a “pre-existing condition.” He had a heck of a time finding any company that would insure him (he is a temporary employee and gets no insurance from his employer). He finally found a company that would cover him: but only after he pays the first $2500 of any single claim. Essentially, he has no health care coverage, only help if he really gets sick or hurt.
• I know many families that are struggling to make ends meet and having to choose between rent, food and expensive private insurance for health care. You can imagine what they don’t buy. This puts them at risk and all of us, as well. If they get sick or injured, they will have to go to a doctor and if they can’t pay, the rest of us will through higher insurance premiums or taxes.

Of course, the new law isn’t perfect, but at last, we’re taking a resolute step in the right direction.

What a great event last night! Thanks to John Grochau for the space and wine, to Beth Burns for the kind and inspiring words, to Jay Graves for the cool bike raffle and to Rick Potestio and a wonderful crew of volunteers for putting on a kicking party.

And of course, thanks to all those who came to pack the space, enjoy the night and help get the word out about creating a sustainable and equitable future in this wonderful place we call home. I rode my bike homeward under a smiling moon with a case of John’s wine in the bike trailer and a smile on my face.

It was obviously a long day yesterday. We sent an email today that needs one small correction. My vote last night was ultimately based on my firm belief that it’s time we get back to work and move our region forward with the balanced plans adopted for Clackamas and Multnomah counties. Again, I think the Washington County map sacrifices too much farmland, and will likely provoke lawsuits wasting valuable time and resources.