The Senate Committee on Labor and Business has voted unanimously to move SB 1545 out of Committee, clearing its first legislative hurdle. This bill will focus targeted investments on building career pathways in targeted sectors, including health care, manufacturing and construction and was introduced at the request of Governor Kate Brown.

“We need to build an economy that works for working families and Oregon businesses,” said Senator Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Business. “That means investing in skills training and reducing barriers to people working to build their careers. SB 1545 will achieve that goal by expanding opportunities for hardworking Oregonians.”

Not everyone agreed.

Donna Bleiler submitted testimony, saying "I strongly oppose this bill. If you're not familiar with a socialist agenda, read this bill. $115.5 million of wealth redistribution."

“The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for many of our frontline workers, including health care workers,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Care. “Staffing shortages in health care settings affect quality of care and the ability of health care workers to do their jobs. SB 1545 will help Oregonians build their careers in health care, improving patient outcomes and the economic wellbeing of their families.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Testimony from David Wall pointed out that, "Priority populations means Communities of color and Women. SB 1545 supports and codifies into Oregon law 'systemic racism' and eliminates 'equal treatment of everyone under the law'. I cannot support 'systemic racism' and or preferential treatment of one person over another.

SB 1545 creates and expands on various grant and advisory programs to provide increased access for what it describes as "priority populations" to workforce programs and training opportunities in health care, manufacturing and construction.

SB 1545 now goes to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-11 22:25:55

Last Update: 2022-02-12 13:51:56