Oregon Public Broadcasting

Some Oregon lawmakers say health care should be a constitutional right.  The Oregon House Wednesday voted along party lines to send to voters a measure that puts a right to health care in the state’s constitution.

Majority Democrats said access to medical coverage is just as important as things like freedom of speech and religion.

But Republicans like Representative Scott Bruun said it cheapens existing constitutional protections.

Scott Bruun: “When every worthy endeavor is a right, will Americans still have the passion to fight for and defend those rights?  I don’t think so.  When we begin to call everything special, we’re only ensuring that in reality, nothing is special.”

The House approved a similar ballot referral during last year’s session, but it never came to a vote in the Senate.

Constitutional amendment or not, policymakers are crafting a plan that would grant access to health care for all Oregonians.  That proposal could come before lawmakers next year.

Online:

Oregon House Joint Resolution 100