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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Oregon Governor Celebrates Paid Sick Leave Law With Ceremonial Signing

Office of the Governor
Oregon Governor Kate Brown held a bill-signing ceremony in Salem Monday.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown on Monday celebrated a bill to require most employers to provide paid sick leave.

Starting January 1, many Oregon workers will have up to 40 hours of sick time annually.

Brown said it means they won’t have to choose between health and a job.

“No one should have to work sick because they are afraid of losing their jobs,” the governor said.

Brown signed the bill into law privately last month. Monday’s signing was ceremonial, but more than 50 people packed her office to celebrate.

Also part of the ceremony were bills to create a state-run retirement saving system, discourage racial profiling and ban questions about criminal history in job applications.