You Are Making a Difference

Representative Andrea Salinas

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe. I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend at home with my family while so many of our neighbors continued to go to work to ensure we have water coming to our homes, food on our shelves, and access to high quality health care when we need it. We all want to return to normal, but I doubt anyone wants that more than our essential workers who are putting their lives on the line each and every day.

We all have likely seen a clip of an athlete celebrating a premature victory only to be beaten at the finish line. The crowd is left wondering how the athlete didn’t see it coming, while the athlete rues letting up at the first sign of victory. As a state, we are in this critical moment where we think we can see the finish line, but we still have more work to do in order to get there. I know this has not been easy, but I have no doubt that Oregonians will continue to rise to the occasion.

Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do to help prevent the spread of this disease. We’re all in this together.

Warmly,

Signature

Andrea Salinas, State Representative


Unemployment Insurance Updates

Like every other state, Oregon is facing record numbers of unemployment claims. Normally, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) processes 4,000 claims per week. Now, they are receiving around 7,000 claims per day. The Department has doubled the number of staff processing claims, and they are well on their way to tripling the staff dedicated to this work. While OED is working hard to expedite the process, I know that many are experiencing delays and challenges accessing the system. If you experience difficulties, please let my office know. Your feedback can help OED identify sticking points and inform where to best allocate resources. I have also included some information and resources to help you navigate this process:

  • Help filing a claim: On the Employment Department's website, you can find a variety of resources to help you file an unemployment claim including a page of FAQs and a number of training videos specific to filing during COVID-19.
  • Have a question? The fastest way to receive answers to your questions is by emailing oed_covid19_info@oregon.gov
  • Filing a claim: Filing online is the most efficient way to get your benefits. Please note, once you receive a confirmation number, you do not need to call to check on the status of your application. You will be contacted to complete the process.
    • Note: If the Department hasn’t yet processed your initial claim, you may get an error message when you make your claim on the second week. They have assured us that this is not a cause for worry. You can keep filing claims online, and they will process those once they catch up.
OED Video

 

The CARES Act expands unemployment insurance benefits, and the Employment Department is working to incorporate these changes. If you have not already filed an initial claim application, the Employment Department recommends that you please do so. If you have filed, make sure you claim each week you want to request benefits.

The major changes to unemployment insurance as a result of the CARES Act are listed below. You can also read Senator Merkley’s FAQ for more information about the changes here.

  • Expanded benefits. The CARES Act provides a $600 per week increase to unemployment insurance payments until July 31, 2020. The bill also allows for an additional 13 weeks of federally funded unemployment for people who have exhausted their 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits.
  • Expanded eligibility. The bill expands access to many people who are not typically eligible for unemployment—including self-employed people and gig workers, as well as people who work part-time or don’t have a long work history.

This is a stressful time, and it can be difficult to know where to find answers. My office is here to help. As my colleague Senator Gelser says, our role right now is to be ‘connectors’ and ensure we connect you with the people and agencies who can provide you the information and assistance you need efficiently and easily. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

New CDC Guidance: Masks

OHA Masks

 

As you might have heard, the CDC recently issued new guidance recommending that individuals wear cloth masks as an additional public health measure. However, practicing social distancing measures by 'staying home, saving lives' remains the most effective way to prevent transmission. You can read the full Oregon Health Authority guidance regarding homemade masks here.

Price Gouging & Scams

While the vast majority of Oregonians are doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are some who will attempt to take advantage of this crisis. Fortunately, the Attorney General and the Department of Justice are monitoring the situation closely, and they have compiled a variety of resources to help Oregonians stay safe. You can keep up to date on the latest coronavirus-related scams here.

  • Price gouging: If you have been charged an excessive price for a product or service, please file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline by calling 503-378-8442, or using the online Consumer Complaint Form ».
    • Have questions about what exactly price gouging is or what is covered under Oregon’s price gouging law? You can find answers to those questions and more on the Department of Justice’s website.
  • Scams: Attorney General Rosenblum warned that “scammers may try to steal direct payments to Americans for COVID-19 relief.” Here are tips to keep you safe:
    • The government will not contact you to ask you to pay anything up front in order to get this money. No fees. No charges. Nothing. Anyone who asks for fees up front is a scammer.
    • The government will not contact you to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number to confirm your identity. Anyone who asks for this type of information is a scammer.
    • You can learn more here.

Online Learning

Thank you to Lake Oswego Superintendent Dr. Lora de la Cruz, Portland Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero, and all our teachers and staff for their can-do spirit during this challenging time. As a parent to a freshman at Lake Oswego High School, I realize the transition to online learning will not be easy, but I am so appreciative of the effort.

  • Lake Oswego Schools Distance Learning Resources: Link
    • Watch Superintendent Dr. de la Cruz’s message to parents and teachers here
  • Portland Public Schools Distance Learning Resources: Link
    • Watch Superintendent Guerrero's message to the community here

Information for Immigrants & Refugees

The Governor’s COVID-19 website has an updated FAQ for Immigrants and Refugees in 11 languages. The FAQ includes important information about access to health care, housing, immigration, ICE, and public charge concerns. Importantly, the public charge has been lifted for COVID-19, and there will be no charge for getting tested or treated for COVID-19, even if you do not have insurance. You can learn more here, and the website will continue to be updated as new information and resources become available.

The Great LO Camp-in-Place

Great LO Camp in Place

Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation invites you for a night under the stars: social distancing-style! Tomorrow, April 8, enjoy a beautiful evening outside, or in, with a super moon to Camp-in-Place in your yard or home. You can learn more here.

Thank you to Parks & Rec for coming up with creative ways to connect with nature and each other during this time!


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