Seen a Rogue on the loose? Get in touch with our Roguemeister: JOHN SCHRAG jschrag@wweek.com (503) 243-2122 FAX: (503) 243-1115 Recently Sen. Gene Derfler of Salem exhibited callousness and ignorance unusual even by his standards. We don't want to be too critical of a guy when he's recovering from heart surgery, but we couldn't let his insensitivity on this one slide. Derfler has killed House Bill 2813, sponsored by Portland Rep. Kathy Lowe and a score of other lawmakers. The bill would grant unemployment benefits to people who have been victims of domestic violence. It has become frighteningly common for abusers to track their victims down at work and kill them. In fact, the No. 1 cause of workplace death for women is homicide. Just last month, Michelle Lavin, manager of a Salem jewelry store, was killed by her estranged husband on her way to work. Derfler hasn't been moved by such evidence. He has refused to hear the bill as chairman of the Senate Public Affairs Committee. Then he added the bill as an amendment to a bill that Gov. John Kitzhaber has pledged to veto. Eighteen other states have similar laws, and the bill passed the Oregon House unanimously. It's earned the support of employers who want to protect their workers and customers--and it won't cost them a dime: The benefits will be paid from the state's Unemployment Trust Fund and would have no effect on premiums. Obviously Derfler doesn't get it. Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordinator Chiquita Rollins wrote to him asking him to support the bill. Here is his reply, obtained by WW through the state Freedom of Information Act. Dear Ms. Rollins: Thank you for the letter in support of HB 2813. While I agree that domestic violence is a problem, I question the purpose of this bill. Why do these women become girlfriends or wives to these kinds of people? Why should employers be responsible for paying unemployment benefits for conditions they had nothing to do with and can't control? I have not seen or heard answer to these questions. Sincerely, Gene Derfler - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published July 7, 1999