The public expects lawmakers to provide careful oversight over the use of public funds, and monitor institutions that are entrusted with their money. HB 2784, which passed on the House floor last week, has just that intent. The bill set up a process for the legislature to ask state-chartered banks that received funds under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) how these funds are being spent. However, I caution Oregonians not to draw unfounded conclusions about our solid, well-run state-chartered banks simply because the legislature is asking for information.

Increasing access and affordability to health insurance continues to be a major concern for Oregonians. HB 2433, which ensures Oregonians can take full advantage of the health insurance premium assistance made available by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was recently signed into law by Governor Kulongoski. The federal stimulus package will pay up to 65% of premiums for workers who lost their jobs and choose to stay on their employer's health plan. For employers with 20 or more employees, the right to continue coverage after you lose your job is provided by the federal COBRA. For smaller employers, Oregon's "state continuation" law provides similar rights.  Prior to the passage of HB 2433, those who were covered under COBRA could continue coverage for 9 months, but those who were covered under Oregon's continuation plan could only continue coverage for 6 months. This legislation will ensure that Oregonians who worked for small employers can receive the help they need paying for health care. If you worked for a small employer (less than 20 employees) and have lost your job since Sept. 1, 2008, you should receive a notice in the mail about your potential eligibility for the subsidy and instructions on how to sign up by June 1, 2009.

Expanding access to mental health treatment

A concern that was discussed in last month's Saturday neighborhood coffee related to HB 2702, which would allow psychologists to prescribe medication. The bill recently passed in the House. I received several emails and phone calls, both in support and opposition to the bill. My "yes" vote was based on the feedback I received from constituents and discussions I had with a number of individuals in the industry. Expanding mental health treatment continues to be a top priority for me and HB 2702 works to achieve this. If an individual is seeing a psychologist who believes they will benefit from medication, a call and addition appointments must be made with the primary care doctor to prescribe the medication. In many cases, patients who need treatment go for several months without medication while they are being shuffled between their psychologist and their doctor. Currently, primary care providers are acting as mental health providers, despite that 50% of Oregonians live in Health Professional Shortage Areas and primary care providers lack specialized mental health training. By allowing the psychologist to prescribe medication it will not only expand treatment but also increase patient safety.