COVID-19 Updates: CARES Act and Census

Senator Ginny Burdick

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As we enter the month of April, I hope that everyone is continuing to stay home and stay well. These are challenging times, and it is okay if you are experiencing some culture shock after making significant changes to your life and routine as we navigate this pandemic together. Those feelings of restlessness and frustration are normal, but remember that social distancing does not mean emotional isolation--use technology to stay connected with the people and things that matter to you! We are all in this together, so let's save lives by staying at home and taking care of each other.

Two things that I would like to bring to your attention. The first is the extension of the Real ID enforcement deadline. The Department of Homeland Security is extending the deadline until October 21, 2021. 

The second is the importance of supporting local journalism during this time. KGW ran a great article that answers many of the COVID-19 questions that my office has been receiving as well. 

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

As stated in my last newsletter, on March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion relief package that helps our healthcare system, businesses and individuals facing unemployment and financial insecurity. Below is a snapshot of the Act and how it will be helping Oregonians who own a small business or need help with unemployment: 

CARES

 

Small Businesses

  • Provides funding to create the Paycheck Protection Program that will help small businesses with easy to access loans of up to $10 million. If  interested, a lender can process your application beginning April 3rd. 
  • Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loan: 
    • Funding to provide an advance of $10,000 to small businesses that apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
    • For more information on how to properly fill out an application, this video, provided by my colleague Senator Sara Gelser, is a great resource.

Unemployment

  • Provides a temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit of $600 a week for any worker eligible for state or federal Unemployment Compensation benefits. If you already applied for Unemployment, you do not need to reapply for the additional compensation.
  • The CARES Act permits states to expand eligibility to provide Unemployment Compensation benefits to workers who are not normally eligible for these benefits, so long as their unemployment was connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Individuals should apply for these temporary new federal benefits through the Oregon Employment Department's Online Claim System
      • Those included: self-employed individuals, independent contractors, "gig economy" workers and individuals unable to start a new job/contract due to COVID-19.

Recovery Rebates

  • The CARES Act provides for a one-time payment of up to $1,200 to individuals ($2,400 for married couples) and $500 per child. The full payment is available to individuals with up to $75,000 of income ($150,000 for married couples).
    • You will need a Social Security number to receive the benefit. 
    • The Internal Revenue Service has stated that some people may receive this benefit as early as April 9th or as late as the month of September. Our office will keep you updated as we learn more.
      • Rep. Blumenauer has a helpful resource for more information on when and how these payments will be distributed.

Eviction Moratorium Expansion

On Wednesday, April 1, Governor Kate Brown issued an expansion on her eviction moratorium to apply to commercial properties as well as further protect individuals from residential evictions. These are extraordinary times, and we have all seen and felt how the current public health crisis is impacting Oregonians. Individual households and businesses are experiencing a loss of income and need the security of knowing that they will not be evicted for non-payment of rent.

The most important thing all Oregonians can do right now is stay home and save lives, and these protections for our residential and commercial renters are part of that. You can read more about the executive order here.

Senate District 18 Updates

  • Washington County:
    • Washington County has provided a thorough update about its COVID-19 response in this video
  • Multnomah County: 
    • Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury gave her "State of the County" address early this afternoon. You can watch it here
  • APANO and Portland United Against Hate released a resource about how to spot and report hate crime incidents 
    • Coronavirus does not discriminate and can infect anyone – any age, any race, any level of health
  • PPE donations:
    • Multnomah County has partnered with Portland Fire and Rescue to offer two drop-off sites for donations of PPE and cleaning supplies 
    • OHSU is now able to accept donations of PPE either in person or via mail. 
      • Important to note that OHSU will not accept homemade masks at this time.

Helpful Links 

Census Day 2020 – Get Counted While Staying Home

Wednesday, April 1st, was Census Day but that was NOT the deadline to fill out the Census. The Census Bureau has made certain you can fill out your form while you stay home. This year, the Census is available online, over the phone and by mail. Follow this link to learn how to access these options.

Filling out the Census means Oregon can receive the resources, funding and representation our state deserves.

It can feel like a lot of questions, and the Census Bureau has useful information on why they ask those questions and their legal requirement to keep your information confidential, no matter what.

We Count Oregon is our state’s effort to ensure Oregon has an accurate count. I encourage you to share the website and information with your networks.

Although this is a lot of information, there may be things you need help with that you do not see here. If that is the case, please get in touch with my office. We are working hard to make sure you know how to access the resources you need to stay safe, stay home and save lives.

Yours in Sequestration, 

signature

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

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