Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In my last newsletter, I highlighted the statewide and local response to the novel COVID-19 virus as well as how my office can be a resource for all of you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out either by phone or email with your questions and concerns. I will try to address as many of them as I can below and in subsequent newsletters.
The Role of the Legislature
On Wednesday, the Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response met to identify actions to support low-income and vulnerable Oregonians and small businesses as they comply with the public health guidance. The committee will be considering policies to provide short-term economic relief, protection from housing instability and support for those not eligible for state programs such as sick leave and unemployment insurance.
The committee had two meetings on March 18th and March 20th, which can be watched here and here. The next meeting is Monday, March 23rd at 9:00 am. You may submit written testimony at jscvr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov. Written testimony will be accepted until 5:00 pm on March 24th.
Speaker Kotek, President Courtney, House Majority Leader Smith Warner, House Minority Leader Drazan and I called on Governor Kate Brown for a special session to specifically address COVID-19 and our economic response. No date has been set yet for this special session, but we do plan to have an emergency response package to address the statewide impacts on families, our workforce and businesses.
The Capitol Building has also been shut down to public access because of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, my staff and I are still diligently working from home and monitoring any updates that we see at both the state and local level.
National Response
School Closures and Free Meals
- In her March 17th Executive Order, Governor Brown extended school closures to April 28th..
- In her March 19th Executive Order, Governor Brown addressed higher education.
- She directed Oregon's colleges and universities to move to an online curriculum while still allowing for dormitories and dining services to serve critical functions for students to continue having a safe place to eat and sleep.
- Meals will still be distributed to students in most K-12 school districts around the state. You can find more details here.
-
Specifically in Senate District 18:
- In the Tigard-Tualatin SD:
- Tualatin and Metzger Elementary Schools are serving grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, March 16 – 20, and March 30 – 31. For all students K – 12. No dining inside the school.
- In the Portland SD:
- Children ages 1 – 18 can pick up breakfast and lunch between March 17 – 20 and March 30 – 31. Meals are available for pickup between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Boise-Eliot/Humboldt Elementary, Cesar Chavez Elementary, George Middle, Grout Elementary, Harrison Park, Lent, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, Rigler Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Scott Elementary, Sitton Elementary, Woodmere Elementary, Markham Elementary, Madison at Marshall, and Franklin High Schools.
- Remember--school closures are not an extended spring break! Children should not be having in-person play dates or going out in groups but instead, be kept at home to prevent the spread. PBS is sending out daily information to help kids learn and play at home.
Senate District 18 updates
Helpful Links
Social Distancing
I want to emphasize once more how important it is to be social distancing right now. As I said on Monday, this measure saves lives. I know how hard it is to be away from friends and family in a time of strain like the one we’re experiencing right now. The sacrifices you’re currently making help to protect your own life and the lives of your vulnerable loved ones and neighbors. They also protect the healthcare workers, grocery clerks, civil servants and other critical workers that we need to keep working during this emergency.
Remember that you can always reach out to my office at 503-986-1718, or contact me or my legislative assistant, Chelsea Punian by email at ginny.burdick@oregonlegislature.gov with questions and concerns. Our office continues to remain a resource for you all in this trying time.
Thank you for taking care of each other.
Yours in Sequestration,
Senator Ginny Burdick Senate Majority Leader District 18
email: Sen.GinnyBurdick@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1718 address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301 website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/burdick
|