Big steps forward

This month we wrapped up the 78th session of the Oregon Legislature. I’m proud to have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with East Portlanders and all Oregon families. My colleagues and I accomplished big things in 2015. As a result, our state is cleaner, safer and more equitable than ever before.

Here’s a snapshot of some significant victories I lead the way on this session.

• Paid Sick Time for All: I was a chief sponsor of a progressive paid sick days law allowing workers to earn paid time to care for themselves, their children or other loved ones when they are ill.

• Cleaner Air and Water: As Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, I led the effort to implement a low carbon fuel standard to ensure our kids drink clean water and breathe clean air.

• Retirement Security: I co-sponsored a new law to give working Oregonians more opportunities to save for retirement. Now, fewer women will face living in poverty after they finish their careers.

• Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights: I was a champion for domestic workers, securing the basic human and worker rights so many of us take for granted.

• Motor Voter: I helped eradicate barriers to voting in Oregon, passing a new law that will register 300,000 more eligible voters by next year’s election.

• Commitment to Women’s Health: By giving pharmacists the authority to prescribe birth control, we doubled down on our dedication to women’s healthcare and reproductive rights.

• Access to Quality Education: From early childhood through higher education, students are now better positioned for success. This includes an increase in K-12 school funding and a host of bills that will expand college financial aid for DREAMers and make full-day kindergarten a reality for every child.

These hard fought achievements will improve the lives of countless Oregonians. However, our work is never done. Although I supported an increase in Oregon's minimum wage, we were unable to succeed in passing one this session. I'm committed to continuing the fight for a higher minimum wage next year.

If you agree it's time to take action on our minimum wage, please join the effort today by signing our petition and adding your name to the list of supporters.

Thanks for standing with me,