While SHB 1441 and SB 5159 are done for this year, please know that your leadership, votes and courage are recognized in building a sturdy foundation for future action. Thank you for listening to facts, respecting tribal sovereignty and recognizing the enormity of oral health care barriers in Indian Country. I look forward to working with you on this issue in the interim and next legislative session.
Why is this important?
SHB 1441, the tribal sovereignty and oral health access bill failed to be brought up for a vote on the house floor before cutoff on February 17.
Our original petition garnered statewide support from over 1200 individuals in a few short days. Your messages were powerful and have built a sturdy foundation for the work that lies ahead.
Why another petition? Throughout this legislative session there were legislators who listened to facts, respected tribal sovereignty, and recognized the enormity of the oral health care barriers in Indian Country. They were the decision-makers who put the needs of kids in pain over the need for a check from the dental industry. Lets keep them with us for the next round by sending a big thank you for their courage and action.
We at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board will be moving forward with legislative, congressional and Tribal strategies, standing with those who know what solutions work best for their own communities—the Tribes themselves. We hope we can count on every single one of you in those efforts.
Thank you, and onward!
