Recognizing and honoring Ruth McEwen for her outstanding service to the people of the State of Oregon.
The resolution underscores the impact of Ruth McEwen’s work in advancing community-based care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, rather than reliance on institutional settings. SCR25 highlights her role in Oregon's groundbreaking transition to community-based services, which has reshaped the long-term care landscape in the state. Through her leadership on various commissions and councils, she influenced policy and budget decisions that benefitted older adults and people with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 25 (SCR25) recognizes and honors Ruth McEwen for her significant contributions to the State of Oregon, particularly in the service of older adults and people with disabilities. Ruth McEwen was a trailblazing advocate whose lived experience as a person with a physical disability informed her work. For nearly four decades, she dedicated herself to elevating the needs and voices of these communities, working for organizations like NorthWest Senior and Disability Services as well as the Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities. Her commitment to systemic change was evident in her efforts to create more equitable services for those in need.
The sentiment surrounding SCR25 is overwhelmingly positive, as it expresses gratitude and recognition of Ruth McEwen's lifelong advocacy. Legislators from both parties supported the resolution, reflecting a unified acknowledgment of her contributions and the importance of the causes she represented. The bill's resolutions serve to not only honor McEwen's legacy but also to inspire further efforts in advocacy for vulnerable populations in Oregon, emphasizing the value of advocacy in the public sphere.
There appeared to be no significant points of contention regarding SCR25, as the resolution was adopted unanimously in both the Senate and the House. It serves as a celebration of McEwen’s legacy rather than a piece of controversial legislation. The resolution stands apart from typical bills that may have varying opinions and debates, focusing instead on homage and reflection about the positive changes McEwen helped to engender in the community.