VIDEO: A Conversation with Rep. Mitch Greenlick: Health Reform in Oregon

Join us for a video conversation with Oregon State Representative Mitch Greenlick. (Click the video to start -- it may take a few seconds .)

You can find a higher quality version of this video here (very high speed Internet connection required):
A Conversation with Mitch Greenlick: Health Reform in Oregon.

This program was recorded Wednesday, June 3rd.

Archimedes Movement executive director, Liz Baxter, is joined by Archimedes Movement Community Leadership Council members Mike Grady and David Pollack.

This conversation includes an update on the status of House Bill 2009 (health reform), House Bill 2116 (funding to expand health care to uninsured kids and low-income adults by matching available federal funds) and the status of House Joint Resolution 18.

HJR 18 is a bill sponsored by Rep. Greenlick that if passed, would give Oregon voters the opportunity to make health care access a right granted under Oregon's constitution. Here's what the bill introduction says the bill would do:

Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing right of all Oregonians to equal opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives.

Establishes obligation of state to ensure every legal resident of state equal access to effective, medically appropriate and affordable health care.

Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at next regular general election.

The entire bill is only one page long, and Rep. Greenlick believes it could help generate dialogue among Oregonians that will inform the debate as we continue implementation of the Oregon Health Fund Board recommendations.

Update
HJR-18 did not get a vote in the recently ended legislative session.

As Rep. Greenlick says in the video above, he will continue to propose the bill in subsequent sessions of the legislature.