SB 916: A Threat to Oregon’s Business Climate
Senate Democrats are pushing SB 916, a bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits—something only New York and New Jersey currently permit. Notably, those two states rank even worse than Oregon for business climate in CNBC’s 2024 America’s Top States for Business rankings.
Oregon’s unemployment insurance system is designed to support workers who lose their jobs involuntarily, not those who choose to walk off the job. Expanding benefits to striking workers would increase costs for employers, strain an already overburdened system, and make Oregon less attractive for business investment—which is critical for job creation and economic growth.
The public hearing on SB 916 continues Tuesday, Feb. 11. We encourage Oregonians to submit testimony and contact lawmakers to oppose this misguided proposal.
Send our pre-written email to Democrat members of the Senate Labor & Business Committee.
Subject: Oppose SB 916 – Protect Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance System
Dear Senator [Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to SB 916, which would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. Oregon’s unemployment insurance system is designed to support workers who lose their jobs involuntarily, not those who choose to walk off the job. Expanding benefits to striking workers would place an unnecessary burden on employers, strain the state’s unemployment fund, and make Oregon less attractive for business investment.
Only New York and New Jersey allow unemployment benefits for striking workers—coincidentally, the only states ranked worse than Oregon in CNBC’s 2024 America’s Top States for Business report. Oregon already has the third-highest employer-paid unemployment tax in the nation. Forcing businesses to foot the bill for strikes would drive costs even higher, ultimately hurting both workers and job creators.
Additionally, state agencies must reimburse unemployment benefits on a dollar-for-dollar basis, reducing the buying power of taxpayer dollars that should be used for essential public services.
I urge you to oppose SB 916 and protect Oregon’s economic future. Please vote NO.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
Previous Newsletters
1/29/2025 Fighting for A Better Future for Oregon Students
1/24/2025 Your Voice Matters: How You Can Engage in the 2025 Legislative Session
1/17/2024 Welcome to the 83rd Legislative Assembly!
1/13/2025 Republican Leaders Respond to Governor Kotek’s State of the State Address
12/10/2024 Tackling Wildfire Costs, Budget Missteps, & Housing Solutions
Capitol Phone for the Senate Republican Caucus: 503-986-1950
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-323, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email the Senate Republican Leader, Daniel Bonham:
Sen.DanielBonham@oregonlegislature.gov
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