Join the Conversation on Paid Family Leave

Posted April 15th, 2009 in public policy

We are one of the many businesses that support the Paid Family Leave Insurance plan that is being considered by the Oregon Legislature (SB 966). This modest program will establish an insurance fund (similar to unemployment insurance and other social insurance programs like Social Security) that would provide up to $300 a week in paid family leave for up to six weeks.

This leave could be used to welcome a new baby or care for an ailing family member. To pay for this fund workers at companies with 25 or more employees (and other companies that opt-in) would be assessed a two cent per hour payroll tax (or about $42 a year at most).

It is a small program that has a lot of potential to assist countless Oregonians with supporting their families during challenging times. For us, it is a no brainer that stronger families equals a stronger community and a stronger economy. Of course, we are “head in the clouds” people, we have reviewed the numbers, the program administration, and the expectations – it will be a simple, cost effective response to a growing need in our communities.

Want to find out more? Or be part of the Paid Family Leave conversation? Tune into Think Out Loud on OPB Thursday at 9 am. You can listen – – via radio or on-line streaming, call in, and/or post your own thoughts on this proposal here.

We won’t be able to tune-in so we posted a comment this morning.