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A Legislator

A reputation for innovation

John's interest in health care policy, his deep love for Oregon's natural heritage and his concern about the lives and jobs of rural Oregonians led him to seek an additional form of public service: serving his neighbors as an elected official.

John Kitzhaber represented Douglas County in the legislature for fourteen years - and was elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate President in 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1991.

He earned a reputation for integrity, civility and public policy innovation. His legislative career was marked by active leadership in the areas of public education, community development, environmental stewardship and a wide variety of health care issues including: long-term care, resource allocation and uncompensated care.

Read more about John Kitzhaber's background as an innovative legislator.

A Governor

John Kitzhaber was elected Governor of the State of Oregon in 1994 and reelected in 1998.

As Governor, he undertook many new policy initiatives including the expansion of the Oregon Health Plan which has benefited nearly two million Oregonians since it was implemented in 1994. He broke new ground with the Oregon Option, a cooperative approach with the federal government that attempted to increase accountability and reduce bureaucracy related to the delivery of a number of government services. As one result, the State of Oregon reduced welfare caseloads by more than 50 percent, helping nearly 20,000 Oregonians find work and saving more than $200 million in the state budget.

On economic issues, Kitzhaber continued to earn his reputation as a leader who looked over the horizon. He brought to the state the first major renewable energy wind turbine manufacturer and laid in place the foundation for Oregon's development and reputation as an incubator of green jobs. And John kicked off the effort to create the Oregon Business Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for economic progress for the state.

Read more about John Kitzhaber's record as Governor on jobs and the economy, public safety, natural resources, and more.

A Leader

Reforming health care

Since leaving the Governor's office, Kitzhaber has continued to work on health care reform, founding the Archimedes Movement -- a grassroots community engagement effort to reframe the debate on health care and build a voice for fundamental change.

Kitzhaber also serves as the President of the Estes Park Institute, which conducts educational conferences for community hospitals. He serves as the Director for the Center for Evidence Based Policy at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and holds an endowed Chair on Health Care Policy with The Foundation for Medical Excellence; an Oregon based public, nonprofit educational foundation.

Read more about John Kitzhaber.