Jobs and Economy
Information regarding my stance on Jobs and Economy issues.
The conference, hosted by California congressman Ted Lieu, also included John Garamendi and Suzanne Bonamici, all of whom spoke in favor of approving the legislation.
Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici both support the measure. "This bill has massive support," Blumenauer said, noting it is "getting aid to people who need it." Bonamici took note of the "urgent need" for this bill. The Senate could debate the bill beginning Wednesday.
"Some schools in Northwest Oregon have been able to reopen, but many have not," said Bonamici, who represents much of the metro area's west side, including Newberg and Dundee. "We all want students and educators back in schools, but they need resources to make sure everyone is safe."
Bonamici represents the First Congressional District of Oregon. She answered voters' questions for more than 45 minutes. One caller asked how small business owners could afford the proposed minimum wage of $15 an hour, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The caller said the minimum wage was never meant to support families.
"Katherine was the glue that held us together," said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., who played a leading role in the negotiations. "If you end up with a product that has support from the AFL-CIO to the Chamber of Commerce, that is an unusual feat."
Upon reintroduction, the bill had 41 cosponsors in the Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and all four Oregon and Washington Senators: Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Patty Murray, and Maria Cantwell. The reintroduced House version of the bill had 170 sponsors, including Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, and Peter DeFazio of Oregon.
Congress and the Oregon Legislature have each considered stronger protections in the past few years, but neither has acted. However, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, said Tuesday she is optimistic a bill that passed in the Democratic House last year will fare better in the Senate now that Democrats control that chamber, too.