Privatization drive turns to Oregon

Supporters of Washington measure aim to talk with lawmakers, OLCC

By Lauren Dake
The Bend Bulletin
November 16, 2011

SALEM — Those involved with the successful effort to privatize liquor sales in Washington are now targeting Oregon, where the state government — like its neighbor to the north — maintains a tight grip on distilled spirits.

Following a multimillion-dollar privatization campaign backed by Costco, Washington residents voted earlier this month to end the state's monopoly on hard-liquor sales, paving the way for grocery stores to sell whiskey, vodka and similar products as well as wine and beer.

“We want consumer convenience, and our customers would like distilled spirits in the grocery store,” said Joe Gilliam, the president of the Northwest Grocery Association, which represented Costco in the Washington ballot initiative.

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Conger Appointed to House Health Care Panel

October 21, 2011 

SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon House co-speakers have appointed Rep. Jason Conger (R-Bend) to the House Health Care Committee, a key policy panel that considers issues and legislation affecting the Oregon Health Plan and the state’s overall health care system, Conger's office said Friday,

“This appointment will allow me to focus on reducing health care costs and making coverage more affordable for Oregon families,” Conger said. “With state government reforming Medicaid through the ‘Transformation’ process, this is a critical time to serve on this important committee.”

Conger says Oregon’s public and private health care system should emphasize preventative medicine and educating people about good health choices.

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Conger Speaking with Governor on Health Care Reform

KBND.com
October 17, 2011

State Representative Jason Conger of Bend is meeting with the Governor today in Central Oregon and they are talking about health care reform. Kitzhaber is still in town following the big meeting of the Democratic Party over the weekend.  

House Bill 36-50 sets up a framework for health care reform. It’s aimed at changing how the State delivers the Oregon Health Plan, or Medicaid, differently in Oregon.  Conger just met with leaders in the local health care industry and plans to deliver their concerns to Governor Kitzhaber. 

“They had a variety of concerns, some were cost drivers, things like regulations that prevent them from doing things that would save money for patients for the healthcare delivery system. So there some concerns about that. And they also felt they weren't given a chance to actively participate in the in this health care transformation process that we're engaged in right now." 

Conger's meeting with the Governor at 12:30 and then later this afternoon. Governor Kitzhaber is touring the bio mass facility at Sisters High School.