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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In the one month since Governor Brown announced the Stay Home, Save Lives order, researchers have estimated that Oregonians prevented as many as 70,000 cases of coronavirus and 1,500 hospitalizations. Thank you for all you are doing to help flatten the curve and save lives.
The generosity of Oregonians across the state has also been heartening. The graphic below shows the PPE that has been donated to protect our frontline workers.
If you want to contribute, please visit this link or call the Volunteers & Donations Call Center at 503-378-4479.
I am grateful Oregonians support the Stay Home, Save Lives order. Thank you for doing your part. We are all in this together.
Legislative Update
On Thursday, April 23rd, the Joint Emergency Board met in a remote session in order to allocate over $30 million dollars to support Oregon’s greatest needs and fill gaps federal assistance has yet to meet. The Emergency Board focused on those who have been left out of federal relief funds or other public benefits. Thank you to my colleagues for their work and for the relief this will provide to Oregonians and small businesses.
Here is a list of some of what the Emergency Board approved:
- $12 million to Housing and Community Services Department – Safe Shelter and Rental Assistance
- $5 million (added to $5 million in existing funds for a total of $10 million) to Oregon Business Development Department – COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance
- $2 million to Department of Justice – Emergency Housing for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence
- $10 million to Department of Administrative Services – Oregon Worker Relief Fund
- $119,778 to Bureau of Labor and Industries – Human Resource Position
- $3.35 million to Department of Human Services – Long Term Care Worker COVID-19 Testing and Training
One particular investment that I am proud of is the funding for domestic violence services. Our community organizations like the Sexual Assault Resource Center, which serves Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties, have stepped up to the unique challenge of COVID-19 and the increased volume of calls and requests for shelter. This additional funding is important for the safety of individuals and our community.
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Resources
We know that this public health crisis makes gathering outside of the home unsafe for everyone. We also know that sadly, home isn't a safe place for some of our community members. Please consider reaching out to one of these resources if you or someone you love needs help:
- If you are experiencing domestic violence, a great place to start is The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- If you are concerned your phone or computer may be monitored, try to reach out to a friend or neighbor for support or access to a safer option.
- Contact the Call to Safety Crisis Line at 1-888-235-5333 for referrals to local programs.
- Find local service providers online at the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (OCADSV) website.
- The DHS Child Welfare Program will continue to operate the 24/7 statewide Child Abuse hotline to respond to reports of abuse and neglect. They are also working with community partners to maintain support to families.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect by calling the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPP HCE Act) expands upon the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Unfortunately, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds within the CARES Act ran out very quickly. Among the PPP HCE Act funds, an additional $320 billion are designated for the PPP. Thanks to the advocacy of Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, $60 million of the loans are designated to be allocated by small banks and credit unions (rather than large banks). These small banks and credit unions have a better track record at serving businesses owned by women and people of color. The applications for this second round of the PPP open today, April 27th.
The PPP HCE Act also provides $75 million for health care facilities to be reimbursed for costs related to COVID-19, including loss of revenue. It also put $25 million towards the development and expansion of COVID-19 tests such as the development of a national strategy to help states with testing guidelines and enhanced testing capacity.
Helpful Links
If you have missed any of my previous newsletters, they can be found here. For any additional questions or concerns that these newsletters are not addressing, please reach out to my office so that we may continue to be a resource for you.
Yours in Sequestration,
 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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