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Greetings:
I hope you and your loved ones are maintaining both your physical and mental health as we navigate these uncertain times. I have heard from many constituents about the overwhelming amount of misleading information that circulates online and on many social networking platforms. There are many new developments in Oregon’s coronavirus response efforts and I want to ensure you have factual information and support your needs as this situation evolves.
CONSTITUENT ALERT
This Saturday, April 4th at 9:00 AM I will be hosting a virtual town hall with Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer and Sen. Michael Dembrow on Zoom to answer your questions and concerns regarding COVID-19 response efforts. This event is limited to 100 participants and you must register in advance to gain access to the event here. Please submit questions, issues, or concerns you would like to raise during the town hall in the comment box. If you have any questions or issues registering, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Oregon Health Authority Updates:
As of April 2, 8:00 a.m. The Oregon Health Authority reported 826 positive cases of COVID-19. Up-to-date information can be found on their website.
- Answers to questions regarding Oregon’s current testing capacity can be found here. Oregon COVID-19 Situational Status Report lists the status of positive and negative test statistics, burn rate of personal protective equipment and a summary of other information on the state emergency response to COVID-19.
- Answers to questions regarding Oregon’s current testing capacity can be found here. Oregon COVID-19 Situational Status Report lists the status of positive and negative test statistics, burn rate of personal protective equipment and a summary of other information on the state emergency response to COVID-19.
Federal Update:
More information will be forthcoming on the impact the federal stimulus package (CARES Act) will have in Oregon. Some of the highlights include:
- A $1,200 direct payment to many Americans ($2,400 to join filers) and $500 for each dependent child.
- Expanded unemployment insurance from three to four months, and provides temporary unemployment compensation of $600 per week, which is in addition to and the same time as regular state and federal UI benefits. Part-time, self-employed and gig economy workers now have access to UI benefits.
- $30 billion for an Education Stabilization Fund for states, school districts and institutions of higher education for costs related to the coronavirus.
- $45 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund for the immediate needs of state, local, tribal and territorial governments
- Establishes a $500 billion lending fund for businesses, cities and states.
If you would like additional information about what is included in the package, check out this summary of the legislation from the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Update From the Governor
Today, Governor Kate Brown announced that she is delaying a call for a legislative special session until there is greater clarity on the impact of the Federal stimulus to Oregon. From her release:
"We want to make sure our scarce state dollars are focused on filling in gaps left by the federal stimulus package, not duplicating efforts. Once we have sufficient clarity about the federal stimulus, I will call a special session and ask lawmakers to take further action. In the meantime, my team is reviewing the policy changes recommended by the legislative committee to determine which are the most urgent and which can be accomplished through other means.”
If you would like to read the press release or previous statements released from the Governor’s office in their entirety you can access that here.
Update From Oregon Department of Education
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) announced that there is a strong possibility schools won't re-open this school year. ODE issued new distance learning guidelines, and directed schools to provide more substantive, graded and potentially credit-bearing distance education for all students by April 13. They will also be releasing information soon about graduation requirements for this year.
Health Insurance Information
If you have lost your health insurance coverage as a result of being laid off from work, you may be eligible for the Oregon Health plan. Here are helpful resources to ensure you remain covered.
Job loss and health insurance coverage (OHA)
Your guide to getting health care coverage in Oregon (OHA / DCBS)
Oregon Health Plan member fact sheet about COVID-19 (OHA)
Unemployment Benefits Information
The Oregon Employment Department website is being updated constantly with new information. They are experiencing a record level of requests for unemployment benefits so the department is continuing to move more Employee Department employees from other jobs within the agency to handle unemployment claims. If you need to file a claim, please do so online for more efficiency. Wait times on the phone have been very long, but if you remain on the line someone will assist you.
This site has Q&As, Unemployment Insurance 101s, a link to file a claim, links to temporary rules in response to COVID-19 related claims, school employee specific Q&As, and economic information.
Unemployment benefits fact sheet
Small Business Relief
Rep. Earl Blumenauer's office has compiled a list of helpful resources for small business owners that can be found on his website. In addition, the Employment Department and Business Oregon have a number of tips and resources available for small business owners on their coronavirus response page available here.
Helpful Links & Resources
Sincerely,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-487, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
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