In short

New year brings new changes to Oregon law

Many new changes to Oregon law went into effect Jan 1. Here are some that may matter to you:

Sexual orientation now protected by state anti-discrimination lawsSenate Bill 2

A new bill in the state legislature, Senate Bill 2 declares that discrimination by an employment agency on the basis of sexual orientation is unlawful and entitles an employee who brings a discrimination case to court the possibility of full compensation.

Oregon minimum wage goes upBallot Measure 25 (Passed in 2002)

Oregon minimum wage has been increased by 15 cents, raising it from $7.80 to $7.95. The raise is tied to inflation, as mandated by Ballot Measure 25, which raised the state minimum wage from $6.50 to $6.90 in January 2003. The raise makes Oregon the fourth highest-paying state in the nation, behind Washington, California and Massachusetts.

Drunk driving to cost teens moreHouse Bill 2148

A new law regarding drunk driving states that any person under the age of 21 caught using or possessing alcohol while driving will be charged a fine of up to $720.

Birth control may be covered by health insuranceHouse Bill 2700

A new birth control law states that health insurance plans must cover the cost of birth control if the plan covers other prescription drugs. This law will affect Oregonians covered through private insurance.

-Matt Alpert and Carly Nairn

QRC hosting party this weekend

The Queer Resource Center is hosting a party to raise awareness about the center this Friday at 5 p.m. The event will be open to all students.

QRC coordinator Matt Geraths anticipates that 15 to 20 QRC volunteers will attend the party. The party will be located at the QRC office in room 401 of the Smith Memorial Student Union.

The center is intended to provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students with a safe space, Geraths said. The center has a queer-themed film library with over 100 titles available for student viewing in their lounge and six computers that students can use for homework or leisure.

-Robert Seitzinger