Keiser lauded nationally for leadership on affordable health care and family leave issues

OLYMPIA – She championed affordable health care and family leave insurance for Washington’s working families. Both measures were signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire this legislative session. For her groundbreaking efforts, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, was named May Legislator of the Month by the Center for Policy Alternatives.

“Doing the right thing is truly its own reward,” Keiser said. “I am hopeful this recognition might give that extra push to a lawmaker in another state to try to do what we were successful in achieving here in Washington.”

Keiser sponsored Senate Bill 5930, which grew out of the recommendations of the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access. Among its features are

• Rewarding high-quality outcomes, instead of making payments for services;
• Requiring the development of evidence-based disease management programs;
• Promoting health care coverage for unmarried dependent children younger than 25; and
• Cutting down on the unnecessary use of emergency rooms as a means to reduce costs.

Keiser also authored SB 5659 on family leave insurance, making Washington the second state offering this innovative program. Starting October 2009, qualifying employees will be able to take five weeks of leave with up to $250 in weekly benefits.

“We made incredible strides in Washington in reforming our ailing health care system and in bringing peace of mind to parents who before had to choose between staying home with a new child and going to work to put food on the table,” Keiser said. “With these laws, we have made common sense and compassionate choices that will benefit our families and our futures.”

The Center for Policy Alternatives is the nation’s only nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to strengthen the capacity of state legislators to lead and achieve progressive change.

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