The governor of Oregon, Kate Brown (pictured), has this month signed a new paid family medical leave bill into law, enabling Oregon-based employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new baby.
The bill, which was passed in legislature with bipartisan support, was formally signed by the American attorney and politician on Friday 9 August 2019 at Bora Architects, Portland at 11.15am.
Under the new legislation, employees will be able to receive up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child, recover from a serious illness, or to support newly adopted or foster children. It also enables staff to take paid leave if they are victims of domestic violence.
The bill further guarantees that this leave can be taken at full pay, ensuring that employees receive 100% of their wages while out of the workplace on leave.
Brown said: “Oregon families no longer need to make the difficult choice between paying the rent and staying home with their newborn, or between chemotherapy and keeping food on the table.
“It’s absurd that our society values someone clocking in and out of their job above holding a loved one’s hand, and that will change under [the new legislation] HB 2005, where all families who need and care for each other will be recognised.”