Public Policy

PUBLIC POLICY SUCCESSES

Two bills that AAUW of Oregon supported through several legislative sessions finally passed both houses and were signed into law by the Governor: (Persistence pays off.)

  • HB 3187 known as The Age Discrimination Act, co-sponsored with AARP, makes it illegal for employers or apprenticeships to ask a person’s date of birth or graduation until after an initial interview.
  • SB 1098 known as the Lew Frederick’s Anti-Book Banning bill, would require challenges for a book or specific material to be made in writing by someone connected directly to the school, either a parent, guardian or employee

Many of us in AAUW also followed HB2233, directing the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to establish a program to provide legal services for women at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. While that bill did not pass, the Legal Services Pilot Program for Coffee Creek did receive $1.2 million in the end-of-session “Christmas Tree” Bill (HB 5006).

The public policy committee welcomes new members. We’ll be starting our planning for the 2026 session in October. If you are interested in helping to further our legislative agenda, contact Valerie Sanford at valsanford@mac.com.

AAUW-OR BIENNIAL ACTION PRIORITIES 2024-26 Click Here>

AAUW Oregon’s Public Policy priorities remain the same for the 2026 Oregon legislative session:
1. Support a quality fully funded K-12 and higher public education system.
2. Advocate for racial, ethnic and gender equity/representation/economic security.
3. Support health care for all Oregonians.
4. Protection of our democracy.
5. Expand our influence through collaborations with like-minded organizations and individuals.

PANEL: RESOURCES FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN

I
           Iris Martin                          Liz Starke                   Marissa Zapata

The panel presentation, Resources for Homeless Women and Children, held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Mirabella was well attended by members and guests. Attendees came away with a better understanding of the issues, and an appreciation for the difficult work being done by local service agencies.

Susan Teel, Portland AAUW Public Policy Co-chair, introduced the panelists. First, Dr. Marissa Zapata, Director of the Homeless Research & Action Collaborative at PSU, provided research data and information that refuted many of the myths surrounding homelessness. Liz Starke of Rose Haven spoke about the emergency homeless support services they provide specifically for women and children. Iris Martin, Associate Executive Director of Outside In, explained their health center and “youth department” that offers supportive services for homeless 9 to 17-year-olds. The final panelist was Catharine Hunter of New Avenues for Youth who shared how they provide drop-in mental health support, services for youth transitioning out of foster care, and drug and alcohol recovery services for young people.

Our thanks to the committee of Susan Teel, Hillary Tiefer, Mara Faust, and Mary Finneran, for planning, arranging, and bringing this excellent program to us.