SEN. DIANE ROSENBAUM REP. TINA KOTEK

Press Release

February 3, 2010

CONTACTS:

Molly Woon (503) 986-1074, Senate Majority Office                                                          

Michael Cox (503) 986-1904, House Majority Office

Rosenbaum and Kotek Announce Job Applicant Fairness Act

SB 1045 will restrict job related credit checks, making it easier for qualified job applicants to get back to work

SALEM – Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-SE Portland) and Representative Tina Kotek (D-N/NE Portland) were joined today by Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian and advocates for fair economic growth to announce SB 1045, the Job Applicant Fairness Act.  SB 1045 will restrict job related credit checks, making it easier for qualified job applicants to get back to work.

“For Oregonians who have lost their job and who have fallen behind on credit card or loan payments because of that job loss, being turned away from a job based on credit history is one more hurdle to getting back to work,” said Rosenbaum, chair of the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee.  “This bill is a great example of an action the Legislature can take this session to stick up for Oregonians who are struggling to get back on track.”

SB 1045 will help more Oregonians get back to work by removing this barrier.  The bill will restrict employers' access to a job applicant's credit report with limited exceptions, giving workers a fair chance to get hired based on qualifications not credit history.  The bill will preserve employers' right to check criminal records and all other job-related reference checks.

"This is about fairness, plain and simple," said Kotek. "It simply makes no sense to essentially punish a job seeker for having financial difficulties because of this terrible economy."

Adding his support for the Job Applicant Fairness Act, Commissioner Avakian said, “Credit scores are not an accurate indicator of job performance and, more importantly, disproportionately harm working class Oregonians in their job searches.” 

SB 1045 is scheduled for a hearing and possible work session today at 3:30pm in the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee.

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