Since the opening day of the 2007 legislative session Democratic leadership and the Governor have made covering Oregon's uninsured children a priority.
Enter Mr. Butts
So far, the plan has been stalled by Republican leadership in the House of Representatives who are indebted to the tobacco industry.
One way or another Oregon's children will have health care coverage. The Healthy Kids Plan could pass immediately in a bi-partisan act of compassion.
But if the Republican leadership continues to block this important legislation, the Democrats have several plans in the works that would send it to a vote of the people.
Under this strategy, the policy would be passed by the legislature then the funding mechanism - an increase in the tobacco tax would be sent to the Oregon voters in November of 2007.
There is no doubt that Oregon voters will support the Healthy Kids Plan with an increase in the tobacco tax. They have made their position clear, poll after poll shows their strong support for not letting Oregon's children languish any longer.
The only question that remains is how Republican leadership will explain why they are putting up a roadblock to delay getting our kids the health care they need.
Now is the time for us to show our support for the Healthy Kids Plan and let our lawmakers know that it has the strong backing of the people. 117,000 Oregon children are counting on us.