In a virtual ceremony held last Friday, Dec. 3, Oregon State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis/Albany, was awarded the Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight. The award, presented annually by the Levin Center at Wayne Law in Michigan, is meant to “promote bipartisan, fact-based oversight and to recognize those legislators who conduct it.”
Gelser Blouin was selected for the award because of her work on Oregon’s foster care program, as well as her involvement in for-profit out-of-state programs.
“Investigating challenges within our child welfare system and uncovering abuse and exploitation across multiple states from for-profit residential programs has become [a] life passion for me,” said Gelser Blouin. “Our work in Oregon has driven policy change across several states and helped shut down some dangerous facilities. Yet, there is so much work left to do and so many kids’ voices to lift up.”
Gelser Blouin was nominated for the award by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, who said, “Senator Gelser Blouin protected Oregon’s most vulnerable kids. Period. Her courage and strength to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves deserves recognition.”
Key to Gelser Blouin’s selection was that she demonstrated both a strong commitment to bipartisan oversight and a fact-based approach to issues.
“It’s an honor to receive the Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight. I’m grateful to Secretary of State Shemia Fagan for the nomination and for many colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together on this critical work for kids,” she said.
In other news, The Advocate reached out to ask Gelser Blouin if she will be running to replace Rep. Peter DeFazio, who is retiring at the end of his current term.
Gelser Blouin said, “I am considering it, but have not decided.” She said she would be making her decision by the end of the year.
By Olivia Goodfriend
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