Oregon’s new paid family leave program begins in September. Learn more here.

By Emily Harris / AXIOS

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Oregon’s new paid family leave program opened for applications Monday, following four years of preparation — disrupted by COVID — after the Legislature authorized it in 2019 with bipartisan support.

Why it matters: Lack of paid family leave often forces workers to choose between paying the bills and caring for a loved one.

State of play: The program allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care for a new child, a seriously ill family member or their own health or personal safety. It will cover the entire paycheck of a minimum wage worker and scales down as income climbs.

• Oregon is now one of a dozen states where most workers will have this benefit regardless of employer.
• It’s one of five that include “affinity” relationships in the definition of family.

How it works: Both employees and employers have been paying into the Paid Leave Oregon fund since the beginning of this year. Sept. 3 is the earliest that benefits can start.

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

The minimum wage is set to increase July 1st. Learn more here.

ByAmanda Arden, KOIN

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Anyone who works a minimum wage job in Oregon will get a raise starting July 1.

In all parts of the state, the minimum wage will increase. However, in Oregon, the minimum wage is not equal across the state.

Oregon’s minimum wage is divided into three areas: the Portland metro area, the “standard” area, and the non-urban area.

In the Portland metro area, minimum wage will top $15 per hour for the first time. On July 1, 2023 it will jump from $14.75 to $15.45 per hour.

The standard minimum wage will increase from $13.50 to $14.20.

The non-urban minimum wage will increase from $12.50 to $13.20.

SEE THE ENTIRE ARTICLE BY KOIN HERE