[Jog] Oregon legislative leaders turn down federal money for public

[info at upstreamhealth.org]

Unless quick action is taken, Oregonians will be denied access to nearly
half-a-million dollars worth of federal grant support to help fight the
looming obesity epidemic. Even though the CDC Physical Activity and
Nutrition Step Grants are 100% federally funded (no state matching funds are
required), the joint Ways and Means Committee Co-Chairs have blocked the
state grant applications without explanation.

When Upstream Public Health learned of the blocked grant applications, we
asked Ways & Means Co-Chairs Sen. Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) and Rep. Randy
Miller (R-Lake Oswego) to explain why they are denying Oregonians the
opportunity to benefit from this federal physical activity and nutrition
program support without even allowing the full committee to consider the
issues. We have not received any response from the Co-Chairs.

One grant application for $450,000 per year of federal support has already
received CDC approval, but the money cannot be accepted without legislative
endorsement.

ACT NOW
Call or email Sen. Schrader and Rep. Miller.  Tell them that they should
approve the Department of Human Services request to apply for the Physical
Activity and Nutrition and Steps Grants or at least allow public input with
full committee consideration.

At this point, even a few quick phone calls or short emails could make the
difference. Please forward any response from legislators.

Don’t let the opportunity for these federal grants slip away!

Senator Kurt Schrader
900 Court St NE   S-305
Salem, OR 97301
sen.kurtschrader at state.or.us
503-986-1720

Representative Randy Miller
900 Court St. NE   H-380
Salem OR 97301
503-986-1437
rep.randymiller at state.or.us

BACKGROUND
The Department of Human Services (DHS) needs Ways & Means Committee approval
in order to apply for federal grants, even when no state matching funds are
required. DHS staff recommend applying for the Physical Activity and
Nutrition Grant and Steps Grant.  Both grants are from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Implementation of the Physical Activity and Nutrition grant would involve
statewide efforts to address these issues that are critical to the health of
Oregonians.  The Steps grant is part of President Bush's Healthier US
Initiative and focuses on reducing the burden of chronic diseases, such as
diabetes, asthma and other obesity-related diseases.

Oregon is the most obese state west of the Rockies, and the state is
currently doing little to confront this problem.  Obesity and chronic
diseases are increasing in Oregon, and these diseases have huge health care
costs.  Most of these health care costs are paid by businesses, though a
disproportionate share of these costs is paid by the Oregon Health Plan.

Thank you,
Raquel Bournhonesque, Chair
Upstream Public Health
info at upstreamhealth.org