_{*  “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
—Helen Keller}

For the time being we’ll be using this newsletter to provide links to what we think are some of the most useful resources for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure follow the guidelines and social distancing practices provided by our public health authorities to get us through the crisis.

We know you might be missing the outdoors, so we thought we'd bring the outdoors inside. This photo was provided by Jack Leishman. Have a photo you've taken and want to share with us? Send it to sen.jeffgolden@oregonlegislature.gov with the subject “Photo Reminder.” We’ll use some in future newsletters.

Keeping Current on COVID-19

Yesterday was Earth Day—the 50^th annual Earth Day, in fact. Plans were in place for tens of millions worldwide to celebrate in the streets, reflecting the spirit of the less organized crowds who took to the streets in April of 1970. They were there to insist that we pause our usual busy-ness to think carefully about whether we’re being the kind of stewards that our one and only planet needs.

Those plans, like everything else these days, had to change. People did indeed gather in the millions, but in Zoom and Skype rallies, conferences, conversation and concerts instead of the streets. They helped each other remember that a livable future depends on more than navigating our way out of the COVID crisis, that the work that so many of have done for so long to lighten our footprint on planet Earth has to continue and expand—and that there’s satisfaction and pleasure in moving that work forward together.

If you’re among the many Rogue Valley folks who feel the shared responsibility to hand the next generation the healthiest environment we can, to reduce the pollution and toxic load that’s come from our industrial expansion over the years, then consider using this time to get more involved. Wherever your interest lies—healthy fish and wildlife habitat, forest conservation, air, water or soil quality, reducing toxics and plastic waste, urban sprawl, conserving farmlands, stemming climate change—there are groups, both local and national, working hard for what you want. Give them a call or email to see how you might pitch in.

Rep Dan Rayfield and I at a townhall on campaign finance reform last year

One more non-COVID note, and a welcome one: this morning the Oregon Supreme Court threw out an old court ruling that effectively made it impossible to limit donations to political campaigns, which over the years made Oregon distinctive among states for the political power of special-interest money.

We’ve been waiting a long time for the legalization of campaign finance limits. There’s some complexity around today’s decision, but in November we’ll be voting on a measure that clearly establishes our right to regulate money in political campaigns. I hope and believe most of us will say yes, so that I can work in the 2021 session to craft a clear, straightforward system that shifts power from Oregon’s special interests to its citizens.

Another story breaking this morning is the Governor’s lifting of the ban on non-urgent (or “elective”) medical and dental services, effective May 1. The ban came out of the desperate shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—masks, gowns, gloves—for healthcare workers and others on the frontlines of the Covid crisis. With PPE supplies stabilizing, those non-urgent services can resume, to the relief of plenty of Oregonians who’ve patiently waited for treatment, and to mostly smaller hospitals that can now restore something like business-as-usual. This is a welcome early step towards a fully-functioning Oregon.

There will be more soon. Early this week the Governor released a general outline for re-opening our state in three stages, the first unrolling in May. We don’t yet have specific decisions on particular businesses and activities.  Those are being hammered out this week and next. I hope to have details for you in the next newsletter.

For now I’ll just say that it’s difficult to imagine a harder policy challenge than finding the right balance between effectively re-starting our economy and following the soundest scientific guidelines for protecting public health. More and more of you have been weighing in on this challenge... and you don’t agree. Some folks are pleading for a quick release of all kinds of businesses from restrictions so they can return to work, along the lines of what the state of Georgia is beginning tomorrow. Others urge us to stay the course of strict lockdown a little longer, until more tests are available and we can be sure we have the healthcare capacity to handle major surges of infection that are one possible outcome of sending Oregon back to work. I’ve heard it said that where you stand on this issue depends mostly on your personal situation: if you’re economically comfortable and stable, it’s easy to lounge around the house and tell your legislator to stay the course. But if you’re close to the economic edge, and federal money and unemployment payments aren’t reaching you, it’s a different story. 

That makes sense. Sometimes we’re not very good at putting ourselves in the shoes of people with less buffer from serious harm than we have. But you might be interested in this just-released survey, which shows a large majority of Oregonians—both urban and rural, and of every political party—in a strongly stay-the-course frame of mind.

Research by DHM Research, graphic design by Killer Visual Strategies

That could well change in months to come, as almost everyone wants to see Oregon get back to work (and wouldn’t mind an outing to a restaurant or the library or mall, either). Signs are we’ll move in that direction in a week or two, though we don’t yet know the pace. We’ll update you as we learn more. In the meantime, please, as much as you can, stick with the distancing and stay-at-home practices that have yielded good progress through the month of April. To those of you having a particularly tough time, please hang in there. We’re not forgetting you, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to get vital assistance where it’s needed. Thanks for doing your part to get our community through this. We will get there.

Senator Jeff Golden
Senate District 3 (Rogue Valley)

Important Updates

• Over the past week, Governor Kate Brown has issued new orders and announcements to help make certain we continue to make progress flatting the curve. In collaboration with Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and California Governor Gavin Newsom, Governor Brown announced a framework for re-opening Oregon. This framework ensures active communication between the western states while making certain each state can do what makes most sense for their public health, well-being and economies. We still have a long road ahead, and I know we’re all in this together.

• The first step towards reopening was announced this morning: Governor Brown announced that health care providers may resume non-emergency medical procedures starting on May 1st if they can demonstrate that they have met new requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness.

• The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board also allocated an additional $34 million towards rental assistance, the Oregon Worker Relief Fund, small business assistance, and domestic violence housing support. We'll have more guidance on how to access these funds soon.
  
  
• The Governor has closed public schools for the rest of the academic year to prevent the spread of coronavirus. She also issued new guidance for seniors to they are still able to graduate on time.
  
  
• I also want to ask everyone who owns firearms to be extra careful about safe storage at home during these times. We’re in a time when children are spending almost all their time at home and, people of all ages are spending more time isolated from friends and support people. These conditions can aggravate mental health conditions and, in the case of children, increase the odds of disastrous accidents.  Removing access to a firearm is a crucial step you can take to prevent tragedy. Please keep guns locked, and otherwise safely stored,  and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you’d like to learn more, visit BeSMARTforKids.org
  
  
• Social distancing is working. If we continue to follow the directions of medical experts and officials, we should avoid overwhelming our hospital system. Thank you all for staying home and saving lives; please continue to do so.
  
  
• Donations of Personal Protective Equipment can be dropped off at a drive-through at the Expo.
  
  
• Most state and national parks are closed to help limit the spread of coronavirus.

Resources for Current Information

• This OHA page is dedicated to information on COVID-19 with links to the latest announcements, guidance etc. You can also subscribe to email or text updates.
  
  
• Check out this consolidated Oregon COVID-19 Response page with resources, information, and FAQs.
  
  
• Governor Brown has a website that updates regularly with news and resources about coronavirus and the state's response to the pandemic.
  
  
• U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have each put together pages with additional resources and information.
  
  
• The latest from Jackson County Public Health. You can call Jackson County Health and Human services with questions at 541-774-8200.
  
  
• This Employment Department Page has resources including a PDF siting what insurance benefits you may qualify for depending on how COVID-19 has impacted you, available in English and Spanish.
  
  
• The Bureau of Labor and Industries has a basic FAQ for Employers and Employees around COVID-19. There is also some specific information on Sick Time here.
  
  
• The Oregon Department of Education has a page dedicated to COVID-19 information with resources in a variety of languages.

Other Resources

How You Can Help:

• We’re all in this together. That has been made clear by the generosity of Oregonians across the state. When called to help, you stepped up and supported the fight against COVID-19. Thank you.

• Governor Brown has put together a great list of 10 things you can do to help your community while maintaining social distancing. OPB has another list 
  
  
• While we're stuck at home, please remember to fill out the U.S. Census. That information is critical to making sure people are accurately represented in government and get the resources they need. The self-response window opened on March 12 and can be accessed online at 2020census.gov, over the phone in 13 languages, and by mail. The 2020census.gov website is available in 59 languages; simply click the globe icon on the top right corner of the main page to open a drop-down menu of options. As of now, the response window will be open until October 31st.
  
  
• If you are a retired medical professional and would like to volunteer to help those in need of treatment, you can sign up here.
  
  
• Rogue Valley Recovers has a whole host of information and ways that you can help in our community.
  
  
• The Red Cross is asking people to still go out and make blood donations if they feel well enough to do so. The Surgeon General has stressed the importance of donating blood at this time, and the Red Cross has taken extra steps to make sure that donors and Red Cross employees stay safe. You can read more about them here, and you can make an appointment to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Business Resources:

• The US Chamber Foundation has launched a Save Small Businesses Initiative offering $5,000 grants to small businesses that employ 3-20 people.  To apply click here.
  
  
• Senator Merkley's office has put together an excellent summary of the resources made available through the federal coronavirus relief packages with tips and advice about how access that aid.
  
  
• The Rogue Workforce Partnership has grant funds available to help local businesses avoid layoffs. These funds are available immediately, do not have to be repaid, and can be mixed with state and federal funds. These funds can be used for purchases of supplies, small equipment, or services that will help businesses avoid some or all layoffs being considered due to the COVID-19 crisis.  These fund can also pay for some limited wage replacement, but only if it’s tied to a longer-term layoff aversion strategy. To apply, click here.  The application is under the "Layoff Aversion" tab.
  
  

• USDA  has a Rural Development COVID-19 resource page with information about Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more, including in Spanish.

• Business Oregon has created a Small Business Resource Navigator with both resources for businesses and business survival tips to get through the crisis.
  
  

• The Ashland Chamber of Commerce has put together a page with resources in the Rogue Valley for both employers and employees.

• The Medford Chamber of Commerce has launched their Southern Oregon Strong (S.O.S.) Campaign to give access to a whole host of resources for businesses and consumers.

• Oregon Community Foundation is opening a COVID-19 Pooled Fund to organize local foundations to provide financial assistance to community organizations in response to COVID-19.
  
  
• Unemployment Insurance: The Employment Department issued new provisions to Unemployment Insurance to improve access. They have also updated their website to improve access to claims. If you are unsure of how to apply, have questions about your claim, or have any other questions, please visit the OED website, email OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov, check out this Q&A in OPB, or check out the chart below:

Social Services:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a helpline if you are struggling with mental illness in this stressful time, as well as many support groups of all kinds. The helpline is available from 9 AM to 5 PM at 503-230-8009, or toll-free at 800-343-6264. Visit their website here to find out more.
  
  
• DHS also has a specific service for seniors who are feeling isolated. It's important to maintain social connections, and this service can help with that as we all practice social isolation. Call 503-200-1633 to speak with a counselor today.
  
  
• SEIU has put together a really valuable page with resources for unemployment insurance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food stamps), the Oregon Health Plan or other health care coverage, child care, and housing services. Check it out.
  
  
• The Governor has created a Coronavirus FAQ for immigrants and refugees in a variety of languages. You can find it by clicking here.
  
  
• Oregon Recovers has put together a list of resources for those struggling with addiction.

Meals for Students: 

Many school districts will continue to provide free meals for students.

For the Medford School District: Free “grab and go” meals for kids 18 and under will be served at six locations throughout the district (on weekdays) from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. That includes the week of spring break. Breakfast will be served from 9:00AM - 10:00AM and lunch will be served from 11:30AM - 12:30PM.

Locations are as follows:

• North Medford High School  1900 N Keene Way Dr, Medford, OR 97504
• Howard Elementary School 286 Mace Rd, Medford, OR 97501
• Jefferson Elementary School 333 Holmes Ave, Medford, OR 97501
• Roosevelt Elementary School 1212 Queen Anne Ave, Medford, OR 97504
• Jackson Elementary School 713 Summit Avenue, Medford, OR 97501
• Oak Grove Elementary School  2838 W Main Street, Medford, OR 97501

Visitors are asked to enter through designated doors, pick up a meal from the cafeteria and then take the meal to go. Gathering inside the school will be discouraged. We are grateful to our MSD staff who are volunteering to staff the sites!

For all other school districts offering this valuable service and more information on how our schools are responding to COVID-19, please refer to the links below:

• Ashland
• Central Point
• Eagle Point
• Medford
• Phoenix and Talent
• Prospect

Meals for All: 

• Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education’s Food Hero website with resources about meal budgeting, planning, and recipes. Its searchable database has plenty of quick, tasty, healthy and low-cost recipes.
  
  
• The Oregon Food Bank has put together a "Food Finder" page to help locate local pantries and food assistance sites. They want to make sure that food is available to all who need it. If you enter your address, the Food Finder will tell you what services are in your area and is available in multiple languages. Find the Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder by clicking here.
  
  
• Access has put together a lengthy list of local food pantries.

Shopping:

• Oregonians can now use SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online from Walmart and Amazon.
  
  
• Many grocery stores are setting aside specific hours for vulnerable populations. You can find more information here. 
  
  
• The Northwest Grocery Association has put together some guidelines to help make sure we all stay safe when we need to go grocery shopping. Check it out here.

For Parents and Students:

• Food Hero, an Oregon SNAP Education initiative, is offering free online gardening lessons to parents and kids alike.
  
  
• April 22 was Earth Day! Environment Oregon has put together some green events and activities you and your family can participate in while maintaining social distance. 
  
  

• Because of the challenges created by COVID-19, the College Board is developing a new at-home AP Exam option. Students will be able to test on a computer or mobile device. Students who need devices or connectivity can sign up here: https://collegeboard.tfaforms.net/74

  The College Board is also offering free, online review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country to help AP students get ready for exams. Lessons begin March 25.

• Need more reading material? Check out Jackson County's digital library services. They have ebooks, audio books, TV and movies you can rent.
  
  
• OPB has put together a virtual road trip through Southern Oregon and Northern California using a series of videos. Check it out!
  
  
• OPB created a list of at-home learning resources to help keep kids engaged while they're stuck at home.
  
  
• Kid Time has put together some online activities for kids stuck in the house. Check them out here.
  
  
• PBS is putting together daily activities for kids who have to stay home due to school closures. You can sign up to get those activities sent too your email if you sign up here.

Please remember to watch the news and follow the advice from experts at the CDC, OHA, and Jackson County Public Health, and directives from the Governor's office. We'll get through this and we'll do it by working together.