Public Policy
The American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO) is a strong
voice on important local and state public policy issues.
Issues related to tobacco prevention,
outdoor and indoor air quality,
asthma, and other lung health topics. Prior to each
Oregon legislative session, ALAO develops legislative priorities through a collaborative
process involving the ALAO Board of Directors,
program staff, community partners, and suggestions of the ALAO membership statewide.
2007 Legislative Session Successes
ALAO had a very successful 2007 legislative session! The Smoke-free workplace bill SB571 passed making all workplaces smoke-free effective January 2009, SB1040 passed allowing school age children to carry asthma an severe allergy medications with them while at school, and HB2172 the clean diesel bill all passed. View the summary.
How you can help
Your involvement in this process is key. By signing up for the
ALAO TakeAction Network
you will be notified by email about pending legislation, the ALAO position on the bill,
specific action to be taken, suggested talking points and how to directly contact your
legislator. If you do not know your legislator, go to the
Oregon
State Legislature web site and fill out your address to find your state and US
legislators.
The American Lung Association of Oregon is also involved in public policy issues on the city and county level. Involvement of citizens locally is critical in achieving the policy objectives related to lung health. Examples include local laws governing the use of tobacco, access of tobacco products to minors, and the location of buildings that emit dangerous air pollutants (such as diesel bus sheds or industrial plants). Elected officials are much more likely to be responsive to constituents in these instances and public comment is crucial to the result of the decision-making process. Our TakeAction Network will notify you of policy decisions being make in your local area as well. Please sign up today.
Federal level policy issues are also a concern of the ALAO and its membership. State affiliates like the ALAO receive almost daily updates and requests for coordinated advocacy activities. This typically translates to letters, phone calls and emails to the Oregon Congressional Representatives. Communications from Oregon residents enhance the message that the ALAO is sending to our federal legislative delegation. Please refer to the ALA National website to review the issues being worked on by our parent organization. You can sign up for the American Lung Association National Action Network to take action on federal legislation.
For more information contact
TakeAction@lungoregon.org or call 503-718-6141.
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