I feel strongly that paid sick leave is the right step forPortland. It is an issue of public health. Also, Portlanders should not fear losing their job if they need to stay home with a sick child. They should not have to choose between getting out of a domestic violence situation or getting a paycheck. And more than anything I’ve voted for in my 15 years on Council, I think this policy makes great strides to close the gap between the most fortunate and the least fortunate among us.

I voted in favor of the policy as crafted, as did all of Council this morning. It will go into effect January 2014 and I encourage you to review the final provisions laid out in the ordinance. My colleagues and I worked hard to make a clear and fair policy, and we will continue to pressure the State to pass a similar policy to even the playing field inOregon. You can read the adopted City policy here.