[Portland, OR] – Seven years ago today, Oregonians celebrated Oregon’s paid sick leave and retirement security bills being signed into law.
Statewide Paid Sick Leave
Prior to the passage of Oregon’s historic paid sick leave legislation, too many workers were unable to take time off when they were sick or needed to care for a sick family member, including:
- 83% of people working in food service
- 71% of low-wage workers
- 47% of Oregonians working in the private sector
As House Speaker, Tina Kotek led the way to pass Oregon’s statewide paid sick leave law in 2015. Tina knows that workplace protections like paid sick days are critical for families, important for public health, and good for local businesses as a way to reduce absenteeism and turnover.
Former Senator Betsy Johnson voted against paid sick leave for Oregonians.
Retirement Savings
In 2015, the state legislature also passed a first-of-its-kind retirement security bill, establishing a way for all workers to save for their retirement even if their employer doesn’t provide an option. OregonSaves successfully enrolled over 50,000 people in the first 18 months. The effort was led by State Treasurer Tobias Read, who has endorsed Tina’s campaign for Governor.
Former Senator Betsy Johnson voted against establishing a retirement savings plan for all Oregonians.
The Stakes in 2022
Today, working families are burned out and struggling to keep up with rising costs for child care, housing, and basic essentials, but both of Tina’s opponents in the Governor’s race have shown that they will side with corporations and work against the interests of average Oregonians.
“I was proud to lead the fight for increasing access to paid sick leave and expanding retirement security,” said Tina Kotek, candidate for Governor. “I have always been a proud champion for frontline workers, and as Governor, I will continue to build an economy that works for everyone.”