By ANTHONY MACUK

SALEM, Ore.- Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, opened the 2012 Oregon Senate session with an enthusiastic introduction of the body’s newest member, Senator Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward.

Courtney emphasized the Portland Democratic senator’s strong commitment to her family and her extensive background in medicine.

“This is what’s sort of cute and sweet,” said Courtney. “She and her husband Michael – they just doubled the size of their family.”

Already parents of three, Steiner-Hayward and her husband recently adopted three more daughters. All six of her children were present at her swearing-in ceremony in January.

Steiner-Hayward herself later gave a brief speech thanking her fellow senators for their help and support, a sentiment which she later reiterated to Oregon Capitol News.

“I have really amazing colleagues who are helping me learn a lot,” said Steiner-Hayward. “I’m glad to become part of a broad team.”

The support is important for Steiner-Hayward, who views her new position as a significant educational experience. She explained that a first session naturally involves a lot of learning, and that understanding how things work is an important goal for someone in her position.

When asked about her hopes for the upcoming session, Steiner-Hayward stressed the importance of working towards economic recovery but also stated that she plans to address public policy concerns.

“I’m very excited about health care and education,” said Steiner-Hayward. “But the biggest challenge is balancing the budget and helping Oregonians get back on their feet economically.”

Steiner-Hayward received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is a member of the faculty at the Oregon Health Science University, serving as the co-chair of the Institutional Review Board. She has also served as president of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians and is a member of the Oregon Medical Association with a specialization in family practice.Steiner-Hayward’s seat was formerly held by Senator Suzanne Bonamici, who resigned in November to run for Oregon’s first congressional district following the resignation of Congressman David Wu. Bonamici won the special election on January 31.

Steiner-Hayward was selected to fill the vacant senate seat for Oregon’s District 17 by the Washington and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in a joint meeting in late December of last year.