Hero of the Week Award: April 1

Hero of the Week

This week The Solipsistic Me is pleased to honor a local hero, Oregon state Senator Frank Morse. It is certainly rare that we honor Republican legislators on this blog, but Morse is a rare Republican. Representing a district that includes historically conservative Albany (my husband’s hometown) and progressive University town Corvallis, Morse makes every effort to represent the needs of all of his constituents. This frequently puts him at odds with the Republican caucus, but Morse stands strong.

Compelling his selection as HWA, Morse:

• Was a primary sponsor of the Civil Unions bill in Oregon, both in 2005 (when it was blocked in the House) and in 2007, when it was finally passed. “When it comes to discrimination, it’s not acceptable for any reason…[Civil Unions are] the right thing to do, even if they may be unpopular in some quarters.” Demonstrating a rare glimpse of true Christianity in politics, Morse has indicated that one driving force in his support of equality is his faith.
• Supports a woman’s right to choose, stating that, “while abortion should be a matter of necessity and not of convenience, I respect and support each woman’s right to make those decisions.”
• Champions strong, accurate sex education programs in public schools.
• Was named a Stand for Children Education Champion in 2010 for his efforts to legislate for well-funded, high-achieving public schools and a solid economic future for our children.

This week, Morse was a vocal proponent, sponsor, and one of only two Senate Repubicans to vote for in-state university tuition for children of illegal immigrants, arguing that they should not be punished for the actions of their parents and should be given every fair opportunity to improve their own lives and contribute to the success of Oregon. This principled stand, the latest in a long series, earns him this week’s Hero Award. Bravo, Sen. Morse!