IBEW Renew Remarks

IBEW Renew Remarks

March 11, 2026

Thank you for that warm welcome. It's an honor to be here with you. Welcome to Portland, and welcome to Oregon. It's exciting to see IBEW leadership of the 9th district gathered here in our state. IBEW is an important partner in our community in so many ways.

One of the lessons I’ve learned most clearly in my years of public work that continues to shape how I govern today is this: what working families need isn't charity – it's change. We need an economy that works for the people who make it run.

I’ve worked in partnership with labor to make a fair economy more of a reality for more workers. Oregon raised the minimum wage statewide. We made sure more workers had access to paid sick leave. We created the best paid family leave program in the country.

And – thanks to the hard work and leadership of labor leaders and organizers – we made it possible for striking workers to access unemployment benefits – because no one should have to choose between fighting for a fair contract and putting food on the table.

I’ve also made it clear where I stand on the utilization of project labor agreements on public projects. I believe these agreements help ensure we have the skilled labor we need to deliver public projects on time and under budget. We need to work together to deliver on the important projects that Oregonians rely on!

And when it comes to the future, I am also particularly committed to building a future where clean electricity is the norm. With the elimination of promised clean energy incentives by the Trump Administration, states must step up as the last line of defense against climate catastrophe. We have to get renewable energy infrastructure built, and quickly.

I directed my agencies to get as many wind and solar projects across the finish line as possible before the loss of federal tax credits. Here in Oregon, we are protecting family-wage, union jobs and building our state’s energy resilience. These projects and the workforce that makes them possible don't just appear. They happen because of strong apprenticeship programs that give new workers the skills and training to lead in emerging industries. I like to give credit where credit is due - you all hold so much responsibility for making that a reality!

Oregon’s legislative session ended last week - and we pulled out some wins together! A much needed renovation for the Moda center, a publicly-owned, community asset that serves as an economic engine for our state and brings millions of Oregonians and visitors together each year for concerts, family shows, and community events. I could not be more excited that this project has a letter of commitment to negotiate a Project Labor Agreement. As we push for critical economic development investments, we must continue to create more well-paid, union jobs!

We also worked hard to create a fast track for permitting of critical projects, including large scale solar projects, ensuring less work is held up in unnecessary holding patterns. When government and labor work together, we create real change that supports every-day, working people.

This past year, I established the Prosperity Council, tasked with advising me on near and long-term strategies to accelerate Oregon’s economy, create good paying jobs and recruit and grow Oregon businesses. The council’s members represent different regions of the state, critical industry sectors, and labor because we need everyone at the table if we are going to bring prosperity to all of Oregon.

Here's what I believe: Every worker who works hard should be able to afford a home. Every parent should be able to take their kid to the doctor without worrying about the bill. Every worker should be able to retire with dignity after a long career.

It’s not too much to ask. And it’s the future we’re building together. A future where working families don't just survive, they thrive. Where a hard day's work always pays a fair wage. And no matter what you look like or where you were born, prosperity is a reality for you - not a privilege for the few, but a promise for all. Together, we’ve got a lot of important work left to do. Thank you for being here today. Thank you for that warm welcome. It's an honor to be here with you. Welcome to Portland! It's exciting to see IBEW leadership of the 9th district gathered here in our state. IBEW is an important partner in our community in so many ways.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to address the RENEW/NextGen Conference last October. IBEW is leading the way in building new leaders in the union movement, creating job opportunities for more people, and building economic prosperity for the region and our nation. Thank you!

One of the key things I’ve learned in my years of elected service continues to shape how I govern today: What working families need isn't charity – they need change. We all need an economy that works for the people who make it run.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done in partnership with IBEW and other labor partners to make a fair economy more of a reality for more workers. Oregon raised the minimum wage statewide. We made sure more workers had access to paid sick leave. We created the best paid family leave program in the country.

And – thanks to the hard work and leadership of union members – we made it possible for striking workers to access unemployment benefits – because no one should have to choose between fighting for a fair contract and putting food on the table.

I’ve also made it clear where I stand on requiring project labor agreements on large public projects. I believe these agreements help ensure we have the skilled labor we need to deliver public projects on time and under budget. We need to work together to deliver on the important projects that Oregonians rely on!

And when it comes to the future, I’m particularly committed to building a clean energy future, where clean electricity is the rule, not the exception. With President Trump’s elimination of clean energy incentives and resources for electric vehicle charging infrastructure passed by the Biden Administration, states must step up to the task at hand. We have to get renewable energy infrastructure built, and we need to do everything we can to get people into cleaner cars.

Here in Oregon, I directed my agencies to get as many wind and solar projects across the finish line as possible before the loss of federal tax credits. We are protecting family-wage, union jobs and building our state’s energy resilience. These projects and the workforce that makes them possible don't just appear. They happen because of strong apprenticeship programs that give new workers the skills and training to lead in emerging industries. Thank you for everything you’re doing to support this future for more workers.

Oregon’s legislative session ended last week - and we pulled out some wins together! One was a bill to support a much needed renovation of the Moda Center, a publicly-owned, community asset that serves as an economic engine for our state and brings millions of Oregonians and visitors together each year for concerts, family shows, and community events – and Portland Trailblazers basketball games. I’m excited that this project has a letter of commitment to negotiate a Project Labor Agreement. As we push for critical economic development investments, we must continue to create high-paying jobs that lift up families and communities.

This past year, I established my Prosperity Council, a group tasked with advising me on near and long-term strategies to accelerate Oregon’s economy, create good paying jobs, and recruit and grow Oregon businesses. The council’s members represent different regions of the state, critical industry sectors, and labor because we need everyone at the table if we are going to bring prosperity to all of Oregon.

Together, we’ve got a lot of important work left to do. Thank you for your leadership and partnership. Let’s keep building a great future together!