Contracting Diversity Bill Moves Forward in State Legislature

The state legislature appears poised to pass an important bill supporting workforce diversity.  The Joint Committee on Ways and Means has passed Senate Bill 894, a key equity bill that CLF endorsed this legislative session. The bill now moves to the Senate and House floors.

The bill would require that the Oregon Department of Transportation spend .5% (one half of one percent) of the federal money they receive, up to $1.5 Million, to increase diversity in the construction trades through pre-apprenticeship and other programs.  Key leaders on the bill include CLF member Oregon Tradeswomen Inc and Rep. Chip Shields (N/NE Portland).

Rep. Shields has noted that women and minorities are more successful in completing apprenticeship programs if they receive pre-apprenticeship training and mentoring support.  Senate Bill 894 will make sure that transportation projects in Oregon provide these training support services.

Numerous equity advocates supported SB 894, including:

• Connie Ashbrook, Executive Director of Oregon Tradeswomen Inc (OTI)

• Urban League of Portland

• Coalition for a Livable Future

• Randall Edwards, Former Oregon State Treasurer, and now Co-Chair of the Oregon League of Minority Voters

• Sho Dozono, OLMV Co-Chair, Portland businessman, and former Portland mayoral candidate

• Construction Apprenticeship & Workforce Solutions (CAWS) 

• Organizing People Activating Leaders (OPAL)