the state kept the issue alive and in front of the people to
decide the fate of public access to Oregon’s beaches.
At the time, there was a strong movement among legislators who wanted to kill the “Beach Bill” in committee. In 1967, Kramer wrote an article “Beach Bill Revival Sought” which has been historically attributed as one reason why today Oregon has open beaches.
In Oregon’s Oswald State Park West, there is a memorial tribute to Kramer, who was a veteran writer for the Associated Press. On it, the following words are inscribed:
“The people of Oregon hereby express their gratitude to Matt Kramer of the Associated Press, whose clear and incisive newspaper articles were instrumental in gaining public support for passing of the 1967 Beach Bill. This landmark legislation guarantees forever the public's right to the free and uninterrupted use of one of Oregon's most popular recreation attractions, its ocean beaches.”
Matt Kramer’s work as an investigative reporter is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating how integrity in journalism has a profound and lasting impact on the world.