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The most important race on your May ballot might be one you’re not very familiar with: The race for Commissioner of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).
The BOLI Commissioner oversees enforcement of Oregon’s workplace rights laws, as well as civil rights and housing discrimination. Having the right person in the job is important to ensure that workers are protected on the job and that Oregonians’ civil rights are enforced. And this May, we have a great opportunity to elect Democrat Val Hoyle as our next BOLI Commissioner.
Val worked her way through college waiting tables and working at a bicycle repair shop. She and her husband moved to Eugene in 1999, and she continued working in the outdoor industry while they raised their two kids. School funding concerns led Val to become active in the local Parent Teacher Organization, and, in 2009, she was appointed to a seat in the Oregon House, representing Junction City and West Eugene.
Val soon rose to the position of House Majority Leader, where she led successful efforts to increase Oregon’s minimum wage, pass paid sick days legislation, implement our Clean Fuels program, and invest tens of millions of dollars into career and technical education in schools across the state. Now, she is bringing that record of delivering for working Oregonians to her campaign for BOLI Commissioner.
As our next BOLI Commissioner, Val will be a tireless advocate for workers’ rights, civil rights, and anti-discrimination. She will fight wage theft and make sure that employees are paid a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work. And, she will continue her work to improve our workforce development programs so that all Oregonians can gain the skills they need to earn a good living, and so employers will have the workforce they need to expand in our state.
Val has earned the support of Oregon’s unions, Planned Parenthood PAC, Basic Rights Oregon, the Sierra Club, and elected officials like Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. You can see the full list here.
Please join me in marking your ballot for Val Hoyle, and spread the word! Ballots need to be received by 8 p.m. on May 15th. Remind your friends and family!
Jeanne Atkins, Chair, Democratic Party of Oregon