Oregon Employment Department holding four more virtual town hall meetings
The rules implementing Oregon’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (PFMLI) will take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Until that time, the Oregon Employment Department is asking for the public’s input on what they will be.
PFMLI was created by the passage of House Bill 2005 in 2019 and payments to those accessing the program begin Jan. 1, 2023. NFIB opposed HB 2005, pointing out that the majority of small-business owners already offer paid leave. Still, NFIB Oregon State Director Anthony Smith was asked to serve on the small business subcommittee of the program.
According to OED, “Town hall participants are invited to identify issues, offer ideas, raise concerns, or make suggestions relating to the program’s development and the administrative rules needed to implement the program.”
NFIB encourages its members to have their say on any of the topics. The remaining virtual town halls (one was already held October 13) are:
October 27
Topic: Equivalent Plans
This session will focus on submission and review of equivalent plans offered by employers; renewal, withdrawal, and termination of employer plans; and resolution of disputes between employers and employees concerning equivalent plans.
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Register: Click here for Zoom webinar registration
November 9
Topic: Benefits
This session will focus on program eligibility, application for benefits, qualifying leave purposes for benefits, delivery of benefits, and requirements for employees to provide notice to employers prior to taking PFMLI leave.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register: Click here for Zoom webinar registration
November 17
Topic: Small Employers
This session will focus on small employers; assistance grants to help with the cost of hiring temporary replacement workers or other related costs; and job protection provisions, including continuation of health benefits and restoration to equivalent or similar positions.
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Register: Click here for Zoom webinar registration
December 8
Topic: Self-Employed / Independent Contractors
This session will focus on self-employed individuals and independent contractors who elect to participate in the program, including contribution and benefit amounts and how to elect coverage.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register: Click here for Zoom webinar registration
To send questions or comments for each Town Hall, go to [email protected] prior to the event.
More information on Oregon’s PFMLI program can be found at the Employment Department’s website.
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