Improving Our Health Care and Education Systems, Strengthening Our Economic Future

"Both in health care and public education, our success to date has been in setting the stage for change. Our ongoing success depends on working together in the upcoming session on the legislative tools Oregon needs to keep the momentum and begin implementation."

-- Governor Kitzhaber, State of the State Address, January 13, 2012

Education

Streamlined services beginning with early childhood (House Bill 4165)

The Legislature's passage of a comprehensive early learning bill is the latest step to integrating and streamlining nutrition, health care and preschool services so that children are ready for kindergarten and beyond. With more than 108,000 at-risk kids under the age of six in Oregon, this new law will help establish a stronger foundation for educational and social success.

Read more about the Early Learning Council.

Better results for students, more resources for teachers (Senate Bill 1581)

In February, the Legislature passed SB1581, which sets the path for locally-driven achievement compacts committed to improving student outcomes. We also applied for a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind law so that we can instead focus on a home-grown alternative that provides accountability and better supports our goal of a 100 percent high school graduation rate for Oregon students by 2025.

Read more about the Oregon Education Investment Board's efforts to improve results for students.

Health Care

Better health at a lower cost (Senate Bill 1580)

With the passage of SB1580, Oregon moves forward on implementing Coordinated Care Organizations, which will create partnerships between providers and stakeholders that deliver better health care at lower costs through the Oregon Health Plan. Initial studies show more than $3 billion in savings to the state over the next five years through preventative medicine and better coordinated services.

Learn more about CCOs.

Health Insurance Marketplace for small businesses and individuals (HB 4164)

With the passage of HB4164, we move forward with the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange, which will create an efficient central marketplace for individuals and small businesses shopping for health insurance. Oregonians will be able to easily compare plans, find out if they are eligible for tax credits and other financial assistance, and enroll for coverage through the Exchange website. The program will be open for enrollment in 2013.

Learn more about the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange.

Jobs

Investing at home (HB 4040)

In 2011, we created 18,000 new jobs, passed a balanced budget, and improved Oregon's credit rating AA+. The passage of HB4040, the Oregon Investment Act, in February 2012 continues efforts to build an enduring prosperity across the state. The new law will help businesses access capital by leveraging public and private resources and increasing the flow of out-of-state dollars into Oregon. By providing more financing for Oregon ventures and improving the availability of loans for established businesses that are ready to expand, we can enhance Oregon's business climate for starting companies and growing jobs..

Read more about the Governor's Jobs and Prosperity efforts.

Powered by Socrata