Staying home to save lives in the great city of Gresham

Greetings,

It’s only been a week since my last newsletter, but a lot has happened. This morning, the Governor released a new executive order. For most of us, the policy is pretty simple: stay home unless absolutely necessary—it saves lives.

The order prohibits all non-essential gatherings, regardless of size. Businesses like gyms, barber shops, and theaters must close, as well as playgrounds and sports fields. Restaurants can continue to sell take-out and delivery, but their dining rooms are closed.

This is a big step, but we are facing a big crisis. We know that “social distancing” is the most effective way to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this virus. You can read more about the executive order here, and please let my office know if you have any questions. 

Wondering what you can do to help? That hasn’t changed from last week:

• Stay home! You can spread the virus even when you don't feel sick. Protect yourself and your neighbors and stay home. 
• If you do go out, be safe. Wash your hands, cough into your elbow, and stay six feet away from people as much as possible. 
• Be careful of vulnerable people. Be especially careful around loved ones who are older or who have existing medical conditions. They may be more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.
• If you can, support neighbors in greater need. This is a great time to get back in touch with your neighbors and friends—see if you can lend them a hand (from a distance!). Organizations like SnowCap and the Oregon Food Bank are still helping vulnerable people and need your support.
• Don’t spread bad information. There are myths and misinformation spreading online (the WHO debunks a few here). The Multnomah County Health Department remains your best source of information about the situation here at home.

I’ll add three more things you can do:

• Support your local small businesses. Our small businesses here in East County have a hard road ahead. If you can order takeout from local restaurants or purchase a gift card from local shops, consider doing so. 
• Speak up against xenophobia. This virus is not about ethnicity. Using this crisis to perpetuate stigma against Asian Americans in our community is not okay.
• Donate PPE! If your business has personal protective equipment like gloves or masks, you can donate it to the medical professionals who are working to save lives. The state has set up this website for people donating or selling essential services (scroll down to Make a donation, offer services, or volunteer).

Closure information

Schools statewide will be closed through April 28. Districts will continue to provide meals to kids who need them. Click through for information from Gresham-Barlow, Reynolds, and Centennial. The state has recently clarified that time off to care for kids during these closures is covered by the Oregon Family Leave Act and is protected time off. More information here.

Grocery stores and pharmacies remain open. Grocers are asking people not to hoard food or supplies. Stores will remain open, and there is no supply chain disruption like there would be in a natural disaster. Remember, your neighbor behind you in line needs toilet paper too! Safeway and Albertsons are reserving Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7 and 9 a.m. for vulnerable groups, such as elders and immunocompromised people (and several other grocery stores are doing something similar). Thank you for respecting those times.

The IRS has announced that the federal tax filing deadline has been extended until July. We are awaiting word about what the Oregon Department of Revenue will be doing (updates here). The IRS and the state are still accepting returns and issuing refunds; if you’re expecting a tax refund, the fastest way to get it is to file your taxes electronically with direct deposit.

Many government services are closed or limited, including DEQ vehicle inspection stations and Oregon State Parks. Many DMV offices are closed, and people are being asked to do as much as they can online. Gresham’s City Hall is now closed to drop-in customers, and you can visit their website for information on how to pay your bills and more. Multnomah County is maintaining this list of closures and what remains open—including services like health clinics and domestic violence resources. 

Resources and updates

Workers: If you’ve been laid off or furloughed, this article from the Oregonian lays out some helpful information. The state is working to make unemployment benefits easier to access, including temporarily expanding who is eligible. File as soon as possible, and keep trying if the system crashes--it is facing a lot of demand.

The state has recently clarified that time you take off to care for kids who are home because of closures is covered under the Oregon Family Leave Act. In addition, federal legislation signed last week will require provide paid sick leave to many workers. More information from the Department of Labor.

Paying your bills. Multnomah County has announced a moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent due to the coronavirus situation, and Governor Brown released an executive order prohibiting the enforcement of evictions statewide. The City of Gresham has also announced a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions.

Many utility and internet companies continue to suspend service shutoffs for the duration of this emergency. The City of Portland and the City of Gresham will not be shutting off water service to households.

You may qualify for free Oregon Health Plan coverage. Apply at one.oregon.gov

If you've seen a change to your income or health insurance, you may qualify for health insurance through the Oregon Health Plan, even if you’ve been denied in the past. The best way to see if you qualify is to apply. 

Food. Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon continues to update this resource about where you can access food. You may be eligible for SNAP benefits to help you with groceries--you can apply online. School districts across the state will continue to provide meals to kids who need them. Here is a list of districts and their distribution plans.

You can apply for SNAP benefits at https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/

 
Business owners. The federal government has made SBA Economic Injury Disaster loans available in all Oregon counties. Business Oregon and the Employment Department continue to update their websites with resources for businesses. If your business is in Portland, there are additional resources here. 

Other needs. The 211 service is an excellent place to go for questions about benefits, resources, and coronavirus concerns. They are open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. by phone (call 211), text (text your ZIP code to 898211) or email (help@211info.org). 

Thank you for your help staying home and helping your neighbors. We are all in this together. 

Carla C. Piluso
State Representative
House District 50

email: Rep.CarlaPiluso@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1450
address: 900 Court St NE, H-491, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/piluso