Ben Westlund - Champion for Affordable Health Care in Oregon

From Jennifer Warren:

It was my great honor to work in the Capitol during the amazing 2003 session, and then-Rep. Westlund's return after his first surgery for lung cancer was capped by this floor speech, which none of us present will ever forget.

His words are as true today as they were then, and given the state of our state and the last session, they have an even deeper meaning and resonance.

They should open every legislative session with this speech.

Ben Westlund came back to the Legislature humbled by his experience, and with a very different attitude about how the people of Oregon are impacted by the actions of their elected officials.

Of all his other accomplishments, and the accolades rightfully bestowed on him, after this speech- I knew him best as one of the great champions for affordable health care in Oregon.