Advocacy Update: Paid Sick Leave

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ADVOCACY UPDATE Committee vote on Mandatory Paid Sick Leave to take place tomorrow There has been a recent change to the Health and Human Services Committee Agenda for tomorrow's meeting - the final committee vote for the City of Portland Paid Sick Leave Ordinance will be held on Tuesday, February 26 at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. There will be no public hearing at this meeting. We ask that you please consider emailing the committee members to share your thoughts with them about this proposed ordinance prior to the committee vote.    Health & Human Services Committee Contact Info:   Councilor Belinda Ray, Chair bsr@portlandmaine.gov   Councilor Brian Batson bbatson@portlandmaine.gov   Councilor Pious Ali pali@portlandmaine.gov We anticipate that the Committee will discuss the ordinance, perhaps propose some final changes and vote the ordinance out of committee. Once voted, it would then go to the full council for deliberation and a vote in the next few weeks. You can find the current text of the ordinance here, and here are some bullets included in the language: Family member is defined broadly and includes a person whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. Employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, or 40 hours in one lump sum at the beginning of each calendar year. Employees may roll over any unused earned paid sick time up to a maximum of 72 hours at the end of  a benefit year. Employers can have a wait period of 45 days of employment before they allow employees to take earned paid sick time. Reasonable documentation from a health care provider can be requested only after the employee has been absent for more than 24 hours of consecutively scheduled work hours. Employers that violate this section shall be subject to a civil fine in the amount not to exceed $100 for each offense (each day an employer allows a violation shall be a separate offense). Employers need to retain records documenting hours worked by employees and earned paid sick time used for three years. There is a private cause of action for an employee to bring action in court against an employer for any and all violations of this ordinance. Homeless Services Shelter   There will likely be a public hearing on the homeless services center in March. The city has identified several possible sites for the shelter and are also in in conversations with several nonprofit agencies that could operate smaller shelters for women or groups with special needs – some of these nonprofit agencies include Avesta Housing, The Opportunity Alliance, Preble Street and Community Housing of Maine.  This topic will be back on the Committees agenda for further discussion tomorrow, February 26, following Mandatory Paid Sick Leave on the agenda. 2019 Business Day at the Statehouse Thursday, March 14 | 8:00 am to Noon Hall of Flags, Second Floor, Maine State House, Augusta Register Now     You are invited to the Maine State Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Day at the Statehouse on Thursday, March 14, 2019 (Snow date: May 2, 2019), from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Hall of Flags (Statehouse, Second Floor). Business Day at the Statehouse provides a prime opportunity for our members, and their employees, to discuss business issues and priorities with legislators and state government officials, as we work together to strengthen Maine’s economy and keep Maine competitive. Participants have the unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with legislators. Employers often use this time to emphasize the importance of preserving and retaining existing jobs, strengthening Maine’s economy through the creation of new opportunities, and keeping Maine businesses competitive in today’s economy. With your participation, the “Voice of Maine Business” will resonate throughout Augusta! If you have additional questions, please email lcaprara@mainechamber.org and we hope to see you there.   The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Portland’s’ Office of Economic Opportunity are proud to announce Portland Professional Connections. This program is designed to connect new immigrants with established business people and community leaders to help expand their professional network and connect with local career opportunities. The time commitment as a connector (i.e. an established local professional) is a coffee meeting and your ability to make 3 introductions for your connectee to others in your professional circle.   Are you a Connector? Connectors play a crucial role in helping New Mainers understand local industry trends, provide valuable information, advice, and most importantly connections. Check out the Connector Check List to find out if you are a Connector candidate. What is a Connectee? A Connectee is a foreign trained New Mainer who is seeking employment in a specific field and looking to build their local professional network.   Learn More If you want to learn more about this program, OR sign up to be a professional connector, please check out our website. We would love for you to be involved!  Thank you to our Special Community Partners: Copyright © 2017 Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce 443 Congress St Portland, ME 04101 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list