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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Over the past few days, I have seen incredible acts of generosity in our community and across our state. In a time of great uncertainty and need, Oregonians have risen to the occasion and made significant sacrifices for the greater good. During this challenging time, I have heard from many people who want to help in any way that they can. So, I want to remind you that filling out your 2020 Census is something you can easily do while practicing social distancing, and it will have a significant impact on the future of our state.
The COVID-19 outbreak is showing how critical government funding is to help ensure our hospitals are fully equipped to accommodate the population, our social service systems are robust, and our resources are appropriately distributed. The Public Health Division receives $166.9 million dollars in federal funds annually. As this crisis highlights, each and every single one of those dollars is critical making the census more important than ever before. Despite the public health emergency that is COVID-19, efforts across the state will continue to make sure that every Oregonian participates in the 2020 Census. As of March 12th, the 2020 Census form can be completed online in 13 languages on my2020census.gov or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020.
If you have any further questions, I encourage you to visit oregon2020census.gov. There you can find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful resources, and contact information for experts on the 2020 Census.
Thank you for doing your part to be counted and for helping ensure Oregon receives its fair share of federal funding.
COVID-19 Update
As I mentioned earlier, Oregonians have truly risen to the occasion and made significant sacrifices during this challenging time. I want you to know that these actions are not going unnoticed, nor are the hardships you are feeling as a result of strict social distancing measures. My colleagues and I on the Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response are working diligently to develop an emergency response package to provide much needed economic relief to Oregon workers, families, and businesses. In the coming weeks, we will convene a special session to pass needed statutory changes and budgets to address COVID-19.
Yesterday, the Joint Committee held its first hearing, and we received information from the Governor’s office, the labor and business communities, and housing advocates. We will continue to meet regularly with the next meeting happening tomorrow at 1:00pm. You can follow our work on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).
As you know, this situation is fluid and things are often changing on an hourly basis. So, the Governor’s team has compiled a website with information and resources to help you find the latest news. You can also find information about her executive orders relating to higher education, K-12 school closures, and protecting our supplies of personal protective equipment (surgical gowns, masks, etc.). Additionally, you can continue to check OHA’s official coronavirus website for health-related information as well.
In Closing
I started by sharing one simple act that will have a profound impact on our community, and I will close with one more thing we can all do to make a difference: social distancing. I cannot emphasize enough how much power we all have to help slow the spread of coronavirus and to protect each other’s health. By each and every one of us taking seriously the need to social distance, we can flatten the curve and alter the course of this disease in Oregon for the better. I know it is not easy, but it is worth it. Be safe, be well, and take care of one another.
In solidarity,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
P.S. Shopping Hours
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, some stores have taken measures to protect at risk populations while they are shopping. New Seasons, Safeway, and Albertsons have started offering shopping hours for vulnerable groups. New Seasons is asking customers to observe a ‘Senior Shopping Hour’ from 8-9:00am each weekday. They will also be making their senior discount available every weekday.
Albertsons and Safeway will be reserving 7:00-9:00am every Tuesday and Thursday for specific vulnerable groups, including elderly people, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
Please help protect our community members by reserving these times for our most vulnerable populations.
Use the following links to find your nearest New Seasons, Albertsons, or Safeway.
email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-485, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas
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