A ‘Now Hiring’ sign in front of the Boon’s Treasury McMenamin’s location on Monday, April 26. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A bill cleared the Oregon Legislature on Thursday that’s been touted as a win-win for unemployed workers and understaffed businesses.
THE ISSUE: There are signs the economy is improving, but thousands of workers in Oregon remain on the sidelines collecting unemployment benefits, which have had an extra $300 weekly payment tacked on through September.
THE BILL: House Bill 3178
WHAT IT DOES: Allows someone to earn up to $300 per week while also still collecting unemployment.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Some workers are at a tipping point where their unemployment benefits are higher than low-wage, part-time work available to them. That’s made it difficult for businesses to hire part-time help to reopen. Unemployed workers also face challenges paying bills and finding childcare.
The bill has the support of both the AFL-CIO and the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
The Oregon Senate passed bill 21-4 on May 6.
Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: No
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: Excused
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Yes
The bill passed the House on April 4 on a 58-0 vote.
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Excused
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes
State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: Yes
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Yes
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill heads to the House speaker and president for their signatures, then to the governor.
-Jake Thomas
