Workers can soon have paid time off to take care of themselves and their families

(JULY 21, 2023) People who work can soon take time off for important things without worrying about their job. In Oregon, there is now a program called Paid Leave Oregon that helps workers. They can apply for help starting August 14, 2023. This program gives workers money when they need to take time off for their families or if they are sick. Workers can apply for these reasons:

• To take care of themselves or their family when a baby is born or adopted, or when a child is placed with them through foster care.

• To take care of themselves when they are very sick.

• To take care of a family member when they are very sick.

• If they or their child have been hurt by someone or if they are being treated badly by someone.

Oregon made this program to help workers in 2019. Oregon is one of 11 states that give workers money when they need time off for their families or if they are sick. Oregon's program is special because it also helps people who have been hurt by someone. Leaders of the program made it better by looking at other programs and adding new things. They want workers to be protected, and they also give money to small businesses.

“We’re excited to give working people the financial support they need to care for themselves and their families,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh. She is the director of Paid Leave Oregon. “Employees can take the time they need without worrying about losing their job, and employers retain their skilled and experienced workers.”

Workers and employers have been putting money into a special fund since January 2023. This money will be used to pay for the workers' time off. The government made a law that says the program leaders need to make sure there is enough money before they start giving it to the workers. Program leaders have looked at the money and think it is ready. Starting September 3, 2023, workers can take time off and get paid for it. They will receive their money within two weeks.

To learn more about this program, workers can visit this information page. To apply for this program, workers use a new website called Frances Online.