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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Thanks for standing with me,