These are difficult times for many Oregonians. I will continue to focus my efforts on helping the middle class and creating economic opportunity for all. During the 2010 special session, I worked to extend unemployment benefits to help those struggling to make ends meet. I also sponsored the Job Applicant Fairness Act, which prohibits employers from discriminating against job applicants based on their credit history. I fought successfully to protect Oregonians’ rights in the workplace, like opting out of coercive meetings on matters of personal belief without fear of retaliation, and I have championed child care assistance for working families. My efforts in 2009 earned me the recognition of Legislator of the Year by the Oregon AFL-CIO.
