Monday, 26 March 2007
Oregon State Legislature Passes Teachers' Health Bill
The Oregon House of Representatives and the Senate have passed a healthcare bill to cover almost all of the state’s teachers under one state insurance agency. The agency will be overseen by a newly-created Oregon Educator Benefits Board — similar to the board that currently runs state employees’ health coverage.
The bill is set to go to Governor Ted Kulongoski, who’s expected to sign it into law. Kulongoski has been a long-time supporter of consolidating teachers’ health insurance into one agency.
“For more than 4 years, I have worked to enact responsible cost savings in our schools wherever possible — and put those savings back into the classroom. [This bill is] another important milestone,” said Kulongoski.
The bill is predicted to save $270 million for taxpayers in the next 5 years, freeing more funds to put into the school system.
Those who opposed the bill contend the state will monopolize teachers’ health insurance and won’t guarantee long-term savings.
But because healthcare costs for the state are expected to rise, lawmakers insist this bill is the right action.
“We all know that the crisis of rising health care costs will not go away — especially if we do nothing. The Legislature has the opportunity to do something now. Oregon taxpayers want their elected leaders to be good stewards of their tax dollars,” wrote Democratic State Senator Vicki Walker in an editorial.
“They want us to be accountable, save money when possible, and ensure that every child has access to a quality education. [This legislation] does just that,” she added.
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