Oregon Watchdog: Republican legislation calls for leaders to pay health insurance premiums

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2009
CONTACT: Nick Smith, 503-986-1351

LEGISLATORS, EXECUTIVE BRANCH LEADERS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR OWN HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Oregon Currently Doesn’t Require Employee Contributions to Health Premiums

SALEM—House Republicans today proposed legislation requiring all legislators, statewide
officeholders and agency directors to contribute to their own insurance premiums provided
through the Public Employees Benefits Board. Oregon taxpayers currently subsidize 100 percent
of health insurance premiums for these top state officials.

“It’s time for state leaders and agency directors to lead by example,” said House Republican
Leader Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “We must eliminate wasteful spending before raising taxes
and increasing debt. Our bill will generate savings that would be better spent on senior in-home
care or other human services that have been targeted for cuts.”

House Republicans would require each official to contribute nine percent of their total statefunded
health, vision, dental and life insurance premiums. Oregon is one of only two states that
don’t require its employees to contribute. Most local governments and school districts cap
contributions towards their employees’ premiums.

Republican Whip Ron Maurer (R-Grants Pass) said the bill doesn’t affect contracts with union
employees, but the measure should demonstrate a commitment by management ahead of this
summer’s collective bargaining negotiations.

“As elected and appointed officials, we must face the reality that taxpayers can’t continue to pay
for everything,” Rep. Maurer said. “It’s time for politicians and top bureaucrats to shoulder at
least some of their insurance costs.”

Deputy Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem) said this is just one example of how the
Legislature should find savings during the current budget crisis.

“State government should make the same tough decisions that businesses and citizens must make
every day,” Rep. Cameron said. “The Legislature must responsibly balance the budget,
adequately fund vital services, and put dollars back into Oregonians’ pocketbooks to stimulate
the economy.”
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