Governor Ted Kulongoski’s belief in equal rights for all people has been a guiding principle in his administration. The Governor has worked hard this legislative session to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and to establish protection for committed same-sex relationships. The legislature was not up to the task and so the fight will continue, until we have reached our goal. This session the Governor was able to make business more accessible to women and minorities by tracking the progress of contracts the state has with women and minority small businesses. This program will help minorities and women to emerge into the small business sector. The Governor was also able to create the first statewide comprehensive Cultural Competency Assessment and Training program for all state agencies. The Governor is pushing the State to be more open and friendly to minority business so that Oregon can grow with diversity. The work the Governor is doing is creating an Oregon that we can be proud of and will ensure that our children will grow-up without fear of discrimination. Read more here.