[Jog] Today's legislative decision

[info at upstreamhealth.org]

Today the Oregonian reported that the co-chairs of the Ways and Means 
Committee have denied both of the DHS grants that would address chronic 
disease, physical activity, and nutrition. We feel that denying these crucial 
funds is unacceptable, and we urge you to contact Senator Schrader and 
Representative Miller to express your disappointment in this decision.

In the press, the co-chairs’ main argument against accepting these funds is 
that they impose too heavy a financial burden on Oregon’s strained budget. 
Yet neither of these grants require matching funds from the State, and DHS 
has a long history of using federal dollars such as these for public health 
promotion. So why else are the co-chairs denying these funds?

We all know that legislators are lobbied aggressively on issues relating to 
nutrition and physical activity. We think the public deserves to know what 
persons or groups have been vocal in their opposition to these grants. 
Knowledge such as this can help support our efforts to advocate for public 
health funding and legislation in the future. If, in your discussion with 
your legislator, you are able to find out who has encouraged/supported them 
in this decision, please let Upstream know as soon as possible.

Please don’t let this opportunity pass. Let the co-chairs know that you are 
shocked and dismayed about their decision to deny these grant funds.

Contact: 
Senator Kurt Schrader 503.986.1720 email: sen.kurtschrader at state.or.us
Representative Randy Miller 503.986.1437  email: rep.randymiller at state.or.us

Noelle, Luci, Raquel, and Craig
Upstream Public Health