Oregon AFL-CIO Responds to Governor Kate Brown’s State of the State Address

Statement by Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain in response to Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s State of the State Address:

Governor Kate Brown delivered her State of the State address today, kicking off the 2018 Legislative Session and giving working Oregonians hope and inspiration for our future. The unions of the Oregon AFL-CIO are proud to stand behind Governor Brown, whose remarks today were an example of the leadership and values our state needs now, more than ever.

Governor Brown spoke about how a rising tide in Oregon must lift all boats –from supporting our schools to doing everything we can to make sure working Oregonians are on an inclusive pathway to prosperity. As Governor Brown explained in her speech today, that pathway must include registered apprenticeships along with career technical education to ensure all of Oregon’s young people have the training needed to seize the opportunities of tomorrow. Oregon’s unions share our Governor’s vision of a stronger Oregon, where our economy meets rising costs of living, where DREAMers and immigrants are celebrated for their contributions to our communities, and where working people have the freedom to stand together to build a better life through collective bargaining.

Governor Kate Brown has consistently demonstrated her leadership, from driving a bipartisan effort to fund infrastructure improvements to standing up against hate, injustice, and inequity. That is why the Oregon AFL-CIO is proud to support Governor Kate Brown’s reelection campaign and why we are committed to making our shared vision of a stronger Oregon a reality.