Oregon Cancer Presumption Heads to Governor’s Desk

March 11, 2009 – Oregon state legislation (HB 2420) that will expand the list of cancers presumed to be work related and covered under workers’ compensation insurance for fire fighters is on its way to Governor Ted Kulongoski’s desk.

HB 2420 passed the Oregon Senate 29-1 on March 5, 2009, after passing the state House 59-1 a few weeks earlier.

Gresham, OR Local 1062 President Greg Matthews presenting HR 2420 on the House floor

“This is a tremendous victory not just for Oregon fire fighters, but all fire fighters,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Each time fire fighters gain benefits – just as they have in Oregon – another precedent is set. Fire fighters still fighting for on-the-job protections can use those precedents to achieve victories in their states.”

Oregon fire fighters say the passage of legislation has been a long, tough fight, but well-worth the wait. “The Oregon State Fire Fighter Council -- especially over the last two state legislative sessions -- has ramped up our political action,” says OSFFC President Kelly Bach. “HB 2420 has been our top priority, because when fire fighters get sick on the job, the last thing they need to worry about is whether or not their medical expenses will be covered.”

The key components of OSFFC’s political action strategy included reaching out to employer groups and electing a fire fighter to the state legislature. With tremendous support from Oregon’s fire fighters, Gresham, OR Local 1062 President Greg Matthews defeated an incumbent for the Oregon House District 50 seat in November 2008.

In the previous legislative session, the presumptive bill had passed the Senate, but not the House. “After Local 1062 President Matthews was elected, he immediately began the necessary work to get our bill heard on the House floor, and succeeded. His dedication was crucial to getting us to where we are today,” says Bach.

The current law covers heart and lung presumption. HB 2420 adds 12 types of cancer to the list presumed to be job related.