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Legislative Affairs

Oregon Capitol  

What We Do

The Legislative Affairs team serves as the agency's primary conduit of information on the administration of our programs for legislators, committee staff, other legislative staff, external advocacy groups, and other state agencies. We facilitate the Employment Department's legislative efforts in support of the agency's mission and guiding principles to provide economic stability and success for all Oregonians.

Contact Us If you need support with an unemployment claim, you are welcome to visit our contact us page and submit a request for assistance.


Please contact a member of our team below if you have a question about the information provided on this page, or are seeking to engage with our office as a member of or staff member to Oregon's congressional delegation or legislative body, an employee of a sibling agency, or one of our external stakeholders.

James Barta | Legislative and Policy Director
James.Barta@employ.oregon.gov | 503-507-4454

Perla Brambila-Arechiga | Legislative Coordinator
Perla.A.Brambila-Arechiga@employ.oregon.gov | 971-283-0378


Links to recent testimony and written information on agency initiatives provided by department representatives to Oregon's Legislature:



Legislative Days 2026

January 14, 2026
Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee On Transportation and Economic Development
Work Session: Item # 28. Employment Department - Paid Leave Oregon Support and System Enhancements

January 13, 2026
Senate Interim Committee on Labor and Business
Informational Meeting: Overview of 2026 Committee Legislative Concept 220: Relating to the administration of moneys within the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund
November 18, 2025
House Interim Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Informational Meeting: IRS Rule related to Taxability of Paid Leave Contributions and Benefits

November 17, 2025
Senate Interim Committee on Labor and Business
Informational Meeting: Overview of IRS Rule related to Taxability of Paid Leave Contributions and Benefits


Legislative Session 2026

February 18, 2026 February 16, 2026

February 4, 2026

Senate Committee on Labor and Business

Public Hearing and Work Session: Senate Bill 1520

February 2, 2026

Senate Committee on Labor and Business

Informational Meeting: Senate Bill 1520