Friday, February 26, 2021 

Good Afternoon,

 I have good news. To provide ongoing stability to you and your loved ones impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the City is working to extend protections and benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). There is nothing different employees need to do at this time.  Council is expected to consider this retroactive action on March 10^th.

The proposed extension does not provide new entitlement to employees who have already accessed FFCRA paid leave benefits in 2020/21, but will extend the eligibility period for those who have not already exhausted their qualifying paid leave entitlement. The updated ordinance will ensure a seamless transition to any new federal legislation expected in the coming weeks.

If you are interested, please submit a new FFCRA Application to your bureau’s FMLA Coordinator for approval processing.

An FFCRA FAQ can be found at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/80750.

 Thank you,
Cathy Bless - Chief Human Resources Officer