Our latest legislative action took place on Wednesday April 8th, 2009 when businesses, religious leaders, health care professionals, advocates, parents and seniors packed the hearing room (and overflowed to the lobby) to testify in support of SB966 Oregon Family Leave Insurance. The committee heard from many who could have avoided financial hardship if they could have used paid family leave during the serious illness of a family member or when welcoming a new child. They also heard from health care professionals about the importance of family care and businesses who would like to offer Oregon Family Leave Insurance to their employees. Over 40 people testified in the Wednesday hearing, yet only 3 in opposition. Opposition concerns were quickly nullified when businesses, economists and usage analysts proved the viability, sustainability and ease to employers of SB966. Proponents were disappointed when the Oregon Senate failed to move Oregon Family Leave Insurance forward prior to the 2009 Legislative Session adjourning.
In the past, Paid Family Leave has been considered by Oregon. Most notably, House Bill 2575 was introduced by Representative Diane Rosenbaum in the 2007 Legislative Session. It passed the Oregon House of Representatives on June 25th. It then narrowly failed in the Oregon Senate on a 14-15 vote on the last day of the Legislative Session.
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