By State Senator Suzanne Weber

We have not had nearly as many issues with Oregon Employment Department as in the past.  But there are certainly still those that fall between the cracks.  Please do email or call if you find yourself in one of those cracks.

These links can help you navigate how to apply for benefits and where to go for help looking for a new job at WorkSource Oregon centers across the state.

Guidance for federal employees – Federal workers | OED Unemployment Insurance

How to apply for unemployment insurance benefits – How Do I File? | OED Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook – Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook

Frances Online for claimants – Home – Frances Online for Claimants

Help for creating Frances Online account – videos, tips, how-to guides, Q&As, Frances Online | OED Unemployment Insurance

Job seeker services – Job Seeker Services – WorkSource Oregon

The guidance for federal employees filing for unemployment insurance benefits does have some differences in the processes your constituents need to know about. Our advice is consistently this – If you are not sure if you are eligible, apply anyway. Each situation is unique, and experts review each claim we receive to determine eligibility.

Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard 2025

Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard 2025

We received the Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard this week.  It indicates that the median income has risen, the impact of inflation has slackened, and more Oregonians are saving for retirement and college, according to the 2025 Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard, released earlier this month by Treasurer Steiner.

However, the data also show that many Oregonians are in a precarious financial position, and are ill-equipped to weather even a modest economic shock:

• A majority of families say it’s difficult make ends meet each month, especially families with children at home;
• Almost half of Oregonians are so financially fragile that they do not have $500 saved to cover an unexpected expense; And

Among the positive data points:

• More Oregonians were medically insured in 2023, and the latest data on retirement saving from the U.S. Census showed that more Oregon households were saving in 2022, and at a frequency higher than the national average.
• Also, notably, Oregon household borrowing dipped slightly overall in 2023, according to data from the Federal Reserve.

This year’s summary – which shows both positive and concerning trendlines — is compiled by the Oregon State Treasury in partnership with the Oregon Financial Empowerment Advisory Team, a public-private partnership for which State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner serves as chair.

Read more from our prior announcement post here, or you can find the full scorecard here.

A couple weeks ago I shared information about the process to appeal the wildfire map.  I wanted to remind you all about the deadline of March 10th and give you a few additional links that might help you navigate this process. Appealing designation of hazard zone or wildland-urban interface The appeal process is a two-step process: STEP 1: Those who wish to appeal should submit the appeal form by March 10. For this first step no attorney is required.  Simply fill out the form to the best of one’s ability and check the box if the appellant intends to hire an attorney for “Step 2”. This step simply ensures those who wish to appeal, are in the que. STEP 2: Following March 10, ODF would initiate progressive referral of the received appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings, where a hearing with an administrative law judge would be scheduled. Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map  PDF Appeal Form Appeal FAQ Notification Packet (this was mailed to property owners) Map Technical Guide Creating Defensible Space Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Wildfire Insurance Resources

Senate Bill 916 Unemployment Benefits While on Strike?

Throughout the session I receive an abundance of emails concerning bills that constituents are passionate about.   In this case the emails are concerning SB 916 that would repeal the law that blocks unemployment benefits to workers when they are on strike.  Below I will share a version of the message that is in favor of SB 916 and a message that is opposed to SB 916.  What are your thoughts on this bill?

For SB 916:

State Senator Suzanne Weber,

I live in your district and am writing to you today in support of SB 916 and HB 3434, which would repeal the law blocking unemployment benefits to workers currently on strike.

I support this policy because as a worker I know that striking is always a last resort, and that workers like me are fighting for better wages, benefits, and safety in the workplace through the collective bargaining process. Unemployment insurance is a social safety net that should be available to workers in their time of need.

Employers and workers are not on the same playing field – employers are paid throughout a strike and can often starve workers like myself out. This tactic is used to have us accept sub-par agreements, and extend strikes. SB 916 and HB 3434 have the power to change that.

Workers should not be forced into poverty, debt, or other perilous situations by exercising their legal right to strike. If an employer can take away my health care while striking, then I should also be able to get unemployment benefits – to help pay for COBRA costs, feeding my family, and other vital expenses.

I ask you to strongly consider supporting SB 916 and HB 3434 for workers like me and my neighbors.

Opposed SB 916:

Dear Senator Weber,

Looks like the unions have our government people in their pockets. It is insane to have small business to help out union workers . When they get a pay raise, we pay for it in higher prices everywhere, I believe in the right to work idea. No is my vote.

As a small business owner and NFIB member, my taxes could be increased if SB 916 passes – even if I have nothing at all to do with a strike.

According to the Oregon Employment Department, “Unemployment insurance provides money to people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced through no fault of their own. Weekly payments of unemployment insurance benefits support people as they actively look for work.”

Allowing UI benefits for workers who voluntarily leave their jobs to go on strike would not only add cost to the system, but it would also tip the balance in favor of unions during contract negotiations.

Unions would no longer need to collect strike-fund contributions from members, which has been common practice for decades. Instead, SB 916 would unfairly shift this obligation to employers like me. Basically, employers would be subsidizing union work stoppages – paying workers to go on strike against them.

In Oregon, employers pay 100% of unemployment taxes. Public employers, including cities, counties and school districts, typically reimburse the state for benefits paid to former employees – dollar for dollar. The increased costs of providing unemployment benefits for workers on strike would be spread among all employers and local taxpayers.

Please oppose SB 916 and urge your colleagues on the Senate Committee on Labor and Business to vote NO on this bill.

Visiting with me in the Capitol

I’ve had so many visitors to discuss issues that matter to them.  These pictures below are just a a few in the last week.  If you happen to stop by the Capitol I will do my very best to get a moment to say hello.  However, if you email ahead my staff can try to get you on my calendar for a dedicated visit between Committee commitments.

Please Join me for this weeks update of Oregon’s Legislative Session. We have been busy! Transportation Committee, Education Committee, along with Ways and Means Education Subcommittee!  You can listen in on SoundCloudby clicking the picture to the left.  Or watch on YouTube

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716  District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen​.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website:  ​https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/​