In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, a coalition of community organizations in Oregon released Facing Race: the 2013 Oregon Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity on January 15, 2014. APANO is proud to endorse this multi‐issue assessment of the 2013 legislative session, evaluating lawmaker’s commitment to advancing opportunity and addressing disparities affecting Oregonians of color.
We are particularly proud of our work this past year on a number of bills included in the Report including HB2611 Cultural Competency for Health Care Professionals, HB2134 Culturally Appropriate Data Collection Standards, and HB 2517 Drivers License Restoration for COFA Pacific Islanders.
Download the Report: Facing Race: 2013 Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity
Each member of the Oregon House and Senate was given an individual grade, based on both their votes and their leadership on 21 bills. Out of the 21 bills examined in this report card, 18 were passed into law compared to 10 out of the 23 that were examined in the 2011 Facing Race report card. Although there has been some progress, more work and leadership is needed to meaningfully address issues of racial equity.
Oregon’s racial and economic gaps run deep. For example, in 2012, the poverty rate for Whites was only 15%, but 30% for Latinos, 34% for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, 36% for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and 41% for African Americans. The report also includes recommendations to improve Oregon’s approach to racial equity and inclusion.
Facing Race: the 2013 Oregon Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity is a collaborative effort of the Racial Equity Report Working Groups that includes: Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, Causa Oregon, Center for Intercultural Organizing, Partnership for Safety and Justice, Urban League of Portland and Western States Center.
Support our public release of the report card by clicking this link to send a message to your state legislator.
Download the Report: Facing Race: 2013 Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity