SEIU Local 503 and Family Forward Oregon have launched a new project aimed at raising awareness and lobbying for policy to increase the affordability of caregiving and benefits for caregivers.

The labor union, which represents caregivers, and the nonprofit advocacy group have hired Lili Hoag of Family Forward to direct the new initiative called Oregon Careworks.

The initiative focuses on caregiving for children, seniors and people with disabilities, a group of jobs known as the “care economy.”

Leaders from the two groups unveiled their legislative agenda Jan. 5, which dovetails with other legislation proposed by other members of A Better Oregon coalition, such as Fair Shot Oregon. A Better Oregon campaigned to raise new state revenue through Measure 97’s corporate sales tax and has proposed 2017 legislation to raise taxes on corporations.

Careworks’ priority list includes Fair Shot’s proposal for paid family leave so that unpaid caregivers who care for children or family members don’t lose income while they are away from work. The proposal would require employers to contribute to a state fund through payroll deductions.

California, New York, Washington, D.C. and Rhode Island already have such policies in place, Hoag said.

Other proposals would enhance professional development for caregivers and increase violation fines and enhance required financial disclosures for facilities that care for adults with disabilities.