News

In a significant step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Oregonians, Governor Kotek has signed SB 1578 into law.

Salem, Oregon - Oregon's 82nd Legislative Assembly passed HB 4045, the Public Safety Workforce Stabilization Act, an historic investment in Oregon's public safety workers..

The Oregon Retirement Savings Board and State Treasurer Tobias Read today announced that $5 million of dedicated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars are being disbursed by Oregon's Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to fund the OregonSaves retirement accounts of more than 900 Oregon childcare service providers.

Weekly legislative update 

February 16, 2023

As you know, the most impactful way to affect change in the legislature, is to make your voice heard. Last week we had a number of hearings for bills that support the work our members do every day, and we wanted to give a quick shout-out to a few of those members who provided testimony to our state lawmakers:

Workers At New Avenues For Youth File for Union Representation With AFSCME

PORTLAND, OR - A strong majority of the over 130 eligible staff at New Avenues For Youth, a nonprofit focused on preventing and intervening in cases of youth homelessness, submitted union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Next, workers will vote on whether to form their union with Oregon AFSCME in late March or early April.

Weekly Legislative Update 2.9.23

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

We have an important update about one of the bills on our legislative agenda that impacts thousands of Oregon AFSCME members.

On Thursday, February 2, members from the Oregon Department of Corrections, the Oregon State Hospital, and the Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) testified on behalf of Senate Bill 631, which would limit the amount of forced overtime certain 24/7 State employees can be required to work without penalty.

"Governor Kotek's budget plan is a step in the right direction and begins to address the significant staffing shortages in the State. It invests in Oregon workers and makes recruitment and retention in some of our most struggling agencies a priority. Investments in those agencies hardest hit by staffing are important, and we must also continue to prioritize funding for behavioral health and housing, but we need to make sure we do more.

Weekly Legislative Update 1.23.23

Monday, January 23rd, 2023

With the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session well underway, we wanted to remind members like you why it’s so important to get involved in our state politics. The decisions our leaders make on our behalf have major impacts on the work that we do every day, and if we aren’t at the table, our voices won’t be heard.