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Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Updates
Framework for Lifting Order on Non-Urgent Procedures
Yesterday, Governor Kate Brown announced that she will be lifting her order delaying non-urgent procedures for health care providers, as long as they can demonstrate they have met new requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness. Hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices, and dental offices that meet those requirements will be able to resume non-urgent procedures on May 1. Medical providers will need to demonstrate they have the ability to:
- Minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission to patients and healthcare workers
- Maintain adequate hospital capacity in the event of a surge in COVID-19 cases
- Support the health care workforce in safely resuming activities
Find more information here on Governor Brown's announcement.
New Phase of COVID-19 Outreach and Education
Yesterday, Governor Kate Brown, along with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), launched a new phase of the state's public awareness campaign to educate Oregonians about COVID-19. Safe + Strong focuses on community-centered outreach in 12 languages to connect people who are most at-risk of experiencing health disparities with the information, tools and resources they need to stay safe, healthy, and strong during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go to SafeStrongOregon.org to find and share resources in 12 different languages.
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Reopening Oregon
An updated framework for Reopening Oregon was introduced this week from Governor Kate Brown. More details are to follow, but highlights include a three pronged approach with three phase in levels to reopen Oregon and return to what will be a new normal.
1. Gating Criteria: 3 components
- Symptoms – declining numbers
- Cases – declining numbers
- Hospital capacity – regular procedures and adequate testing
2. Core State Preparedness: 3 components
- Robust testing and contact tracing
- Healthcare system capacity, including PPE and surge capacity
- Plans for health and safety
3. Phased lifting of restrictions: 3 components
- Phase 1 will include:
- Guidelines for individuals and employers
- Specific types of employers, as far as what businesses will be included in the first phase reopening
- Regional considerations
Joint Emergency Board
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The Joint Emergency Board met yesterday by virtual meeting to allocate over $30 million to support vulnerable Oregonians during this pandemic. With priorities for frontline workers, domestic abuse
survivors, and small business owners, see highlights of what was passed below: |
- Housing – safe shelter and rental assistance - $12 million
- Small Business Assistance - $10 million
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Resources - $2 million
- Oregon Worker Relief Fund - $10 million
- Long Term Care Worker Testing and Training - $3.35 million
- Coronavirus Relief Fund - $300 million federal funds authorization
While the funds available to the Emergency Board are very limited, these action items are a good first step to helping Oregonians fill some of the needed gaps of support now. Watch the Watch the full board hearing here.
Welcome Mark Watson to Team Janeen
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I am happy to announce Mark Watson as the newest member of our district team. The COVID-19 crisis has created much disruption in our normal way of life. The needs are great for Oregonians and Mark’s experience in both education and as a small business owner will make him a valued addition for the House District 30 team. Mark is a member of the Hillsboro School Board. Please join me in welcoming Mark to the team. |
Education Updates
COVID-19 Student Perspective-Olivia Vargas, 11th Grade
Olivia is a high school intern in my office.
"We have now been social-distancing from our homes for around a month, and I find that in many ways I am still adjusting. As a student and active member of several clubs/activities, I have been struggling to maintain the level of productivity that I would normally have, and this has been frustrating. I haven't seen any of my friends or peers in person since March 13th, which has been very strange, as I thought I'd be playing tennis and studying for the SAT's with them around this time, but we have been connecting through video calls and group chats. I am glad for social media right now, as everyone is in such a different situation and head space, and it's important to be checking in on one another.
With the overwhelming uncertainty, and out-pour of often disheartening news and information, it is easy to feel powerless at times, but there are ways that I have learned we can help make this easier on ourselves and others. We can check in on the safety and well-being of our friends, family, and neighbors. We can spread and consume accurate, up to date information. We can give ourselves and others empathy and forgiveness when we are not functioning at the same level, or as in control of our emotions, as usual. And most importantly, we can show our appreciation for essential workers' tireless service, sacrifice, and dedication, as well as protect the people around us, by staying in our homes unless absolutely necessary, and following the guidelines set by our state government. I am enjoying this time about as much as the next person, but until I can go outside without endangering others' lives, I'll be staying indoors, and hoping that I'll get to celebrate my 18th birthday in the fall among my friends."
Student Speak
Calling all House District 26 & 30 High School Students! Representative Neron and myself welcome you to be part of a student-led conversation. My three high school interns, Ryan, Lily and Olivia, have organized and will moderate the discussion for this event. A representative from the Oregon Department of Education will be joining us to discuss all your questions and concerns about education during COVID-19. RSVP here.
Education Links
Business Updates
On Tuesday I held my first virtual Small Business Conversation. As with the rest of the state and country, businesses in House District 30 are facing challenges as we battle COVID-19. In our conversation, small business owners spoke about their difficulties accessing the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Some applied, were denied and were unable to form a connection to a major bank before the federal funds ran out. Retail establishments are working to transition from in-person purchases, to fulfilling orders placed online. That is a challenge in itself, especially when your business relies on the experience shoppers have in their stores to make their purchases. There was genuine concern of the impending rent payments due May 1st. I need to hear your perspective as a business owner and what challenges your business faces. As we continue these conversations, please email our office to be included in upcoming sessions.
On April 23rd the Legislative Joint Emergency Board established a $10 million assistance program for Oregon businesses with no more than 25 people who were unable to avail themselves assistance through the federal CARES Act.
Self-Care Activities During COVID-19
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- Try this fun Self-Care Bingo sheet to make sure you are taking care of your own mental health while staying home. See how quickly it takes you to achieve a Bingo and give yourself a reward.
- Click on the picture below to get the HD30 coloring sheet. Print and color your own, then scan and send to our office here. We would love to put together a slide show of all the submissions to share. Thank you to Kaypha Bonham, age 9, for sending in his colored sheet to my office. HD30 has never looked more beautiful!
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Volunteering and Helping Others During COVID-19
The Hillsboro Parks and Rec Volunteer Voice has offered some great ideas for volunteering during this time of COVID-19.
- For volunteers who sew, consider making masks. While there is no set date/time yet, in the future the Hillsboro Library, when re-opened to the public will be collecting them and giving them to community members. Here is a short video that gives you three different options for making masks - one is a no sew option.
- Consider joining the Hillsboro Community Eco Challenge Team. Visit here for more information.
- If you are able to donate blood, visit The American Red Cross' website to sign up.
CARES Act Makes Donating to Charity More Convenient Than Ever
Taxpayers will be able to claim up to $300 in cash contributions made to a nonprofit charity this year as a deduction from their gross income if they take the standard deduction on their 2020 tax return. Follow this link to read more about how to claim this deduction and if you are able, consider donating to a local cause.
Giving Tuesday to Occur on May 5th for COVID-19 Response
GivingTuesday, the groundbreaking global generosity movement, announced #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. Read more about it and how to participate here.
OMSI Gala 2020 to be Televised due to COVID-19
This year's OMSI Gala has been moved to television due to COVID-19. On May 2, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will be partnering with KGW Channel 8 to take the annual Gala into a unique televised format. The primetime broadcast program will feature entertaining OMSI science demonstrations, explosions, and special guests. Throughout the evening, viewers will have opportunities to call-in and show support through sustaining memberships and by bidding on exclusive auction packages. OMSI’s mission to inspire curiosity and support informed action is more relevant today than ever before.
OMSI Gala 2020: Celebrating Science
Saturday, May 2, 2020, 7:00PM
KGW Channel 8 / https://omsi.edu/gala
Additional Resources
District Links
Federal Delegation Links
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
- Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-11: places a temporary moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment in light of the public health emergency caused by the spread of coronavirus in Oregon. The order is effective for 90 days.
- Governor Brown's Executive Order 20-13 strengthens Governor Brown's previous ban on residential evictions, and prohibits landlords from charging tenants late fees for nonpayment of rent during the moratorium.
- Community Action.org
- Oregon Food Bank
- Meals on Wheels
Hillsboro City Council proclaims April and May as HEROES months in honor of the essential workers that have been busy on the frontline keeping us safe, well and fed. Thank you to all the ESSENTIAL WORKERS for all you have done for us during this crisis. You are appreciated. ❤
Onward and Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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