Central Oregon joins nationwide May Day rallies

May Day rallies were taking place nationwide Wednesday. One was taking place Wednesday evening at Centennial Park in Redmond.

Organizers of the rally included the Oregon AFL-CIO and several immigrants and family rights groups.

On Wednesday, one of organizers of the rally told NewsChannel 21 they had
three themes they wanted to bring attention. One was the Equal Access to Roads Act, also known as House Bill 2015.

They also wanted to call attention to getting better funding for education, and more access to paid family and medical leave, specifically for the working class.

“Paid medical or family leave is something that only a few workers have available, but four states, including California, have passed laws that allow the working class to be protected,” said Joanne Mina, an involved community member.

“That way, if you adopt a child, if you give birth to a child or if you have a relative that needs care, then you can leave your work for a certain amount of time without fear of losing your employment.”

Mina said she believes this is essential for low-income working people who usually do not have this type of protection.

But the main theme of this really was The Equal Access to Roads Act.

This proposed law would allow undocumented immigrants and those who do not have access to the required documents, such as a birth certificate, to get a valid Oregon driver’s license.

“We definitely want to let our representatives know that the community supports driver’s licenses for all,” Mina said. “It’s very important that our Republican (representatives) understand that there is (sic) marginalized communities, underrepresented communities that are also part of their constituency, and it’s important that their voices are heard.”

Under the proposed law, the applicant would have to prove they reside in Oregon, that they have insurance for their vehicle, and that they have taken the test and passed it.

The House Transportation Committee held a public hearing two weeks ago and no further action has yet been scheduled.