Oregon lawmakers are advancing a measure that would require many employers to offer paid sick leave.
The Oregon Senate Wednesday approved a bill that would allow workers in companies with 10 or more people to earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year.
Democratic Senator Michael Dembrow said the measure is meant to protect low-income Oregonians.
"It's unfortunately true that many Oregonians are forced to live paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “And the effect of having a day's pay docked from their paycheck can be devastating."
Republicans called it an unfunded mandate on business.
The measure passed the Oregon Senate 17-to-13. The bill now heads for a vote in the Oregon House.