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Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Updates
Colorado and Nevada Join California, Oregon, and Washington in Western States Pact
Yesterday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced their respective states are joining California, Oregon and Washington in the Western States Pact––a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay at home and fighting COVID-19.
As part of the Western States Pact, the Governors commit to working together toward the following four goals:
- Protecting vulnerable populations at risk for severe disease if infected. This includes a concerted effort to prevent and fight outbreaks in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- Ensuring an ability to care for those who may become sick with COVID-19 and other conditions. This will require adequate hospital surge capacity and supplies of personal protective equipment.
- Mitigating the non-direct COVID-19 health impacts, particularly on disadvantaged communities.
- Protecting the general public by ensuring any successful lifting of interventions includes the development of a system for testing, tracking and isolating. The states will work together to share best practices.
Read the full press release here.
Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing at Walgreens
Federal Updates
Small Business Relief
On April 24, a new bill was signed into law to provide more funding for several of the programs offered under the CARES Act, as well as to better target aid to the businesses that need it.
As a result of this update, the following provisions will now be available to
small businesses:
- An additional $310 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
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$60 billion is set aside to help ensure that unbanked and underserved businesses
can get access to PPP funding. This funding is broken down into two funds:
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$30 billion for loans made through community-based lenders. This includes
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority
Depository Institutions, SBA microlenders, certified development
companies/SBA 504 lenders, and banks and credit unions with assets under
$10 billion.
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$30 billion for loans made through small and mid-sized banks and credit
unions, defined as banks and credit unions with assets between $10 billion
and $50 billion.
- An additional $50 billion for EIDL, plus an additional $10 billion for the Economic
Emergency Injury Grant (EEIG) program.
- This bill also now makes agricultural businesses eligible for this assistance
As happened with the previous round of funds, this money is expected to go very quickly. It is recommended to get your applications in as soon as possible. See a list of approved lenders accepting PPP applications in Oregon here.
Visit Senator Jeff Merkley's Operation Main Street for more information on the latest federal assistance.
Education Updates
Supporting Our Students in Grades K-8
Last week, the Oregon Department of Education released the new guidance for K-8 Distance Learning. Read this letter from the Hillsboro School Department summarizing the updated guidance. Key points, summarized by HSD, for K-8 are as follows:
- The approach to teaching and learning should be one that:
- Prioritizes well-being and attends to the mental, social, and emotional needs of K-8 students.
- Emphasizes family and community engagement.
- Focuses on equity by:
- Honoring the culture, language, ways of knowing, and perspectives of the families and students we serve;
- Allowing flexible options for students to demonstrate learning;
- Naming a Safeguarding Student Opportunity Clause to ensure no student is held back or denied access to opportunity due to extended school closure; and
- Focusing on promising practices that promote and support student learning.
- A “pass” or “incomplete” marking system or its equivalent* will be used for report cards. (*Other terms that approximate “pass” or “incomplete,” such as “satisfactory” and “insufficient evidence” may be used).
- Year-end report cards will be generated for every student.
See the full updated guidance from the Oregon Department of Education here. Visit ODE's Distance Learning for All page to see previous guidance for upper grades.
COVID-19 Student Perspective-Ryan Smith, 12th Grade
Ryan is a high school intern in my office.
The past few weeks have been tough for the class of 2020. Isolated from each other, our teachers, and the normal excitement and bustle of school, we’ve watched in dismay as our senior traditions slip away. The roaring crowds and tearful celebration of graduation look likely to be replaced by a video; our senior prom, one of high school’s most iconic experiences, will almost certainly be canceled. And what makes this situation especially heartbreaking is that we never really had a chance to say goodbye. When we left school on March 13th, none of us thought to take one last look around or to have one final conversation with the teachers, friends, and classmates we’ve known for years. As we stepped off of campus for an extended Spring Break, we didn’t realize that we were actually walking out of high school for the last time in our lives.
The loss of so much from our senior year is undeniably tragic. But, as I grieve what we have lost, I also can’t help but notice all the ways that people in my class have been giving back—to our schools, to our community, and to each other. I’ve seen people reach out, if only virtually, to check on and support friends and classmates. I’ve watched seniors spearhead responses to the pandemic as part of student government and other clubs and activities, energetically brainstorming ways to support our schools and preserve our class’s legacy. I’ve laughed with friends as we gather to celebrate virtual birthdays, and I’ve scrolled through Instagram and smiled as seniors trade positivity and warmth through our posts and comments. As members of my class go our separate ways this summer, we won’t forget the final few months of our senior year. We’ll remember the laughter and the tears, the loneliness and the camaraderie, the anguish and the hope. And most of all, we’ll remember how, in an ironic twist of fate, what has so violently driven us apart has also brought all of us together.
Student Speak
Calling all House District 26, 29 & 30 High School Students! Representatives Neron, McLain 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 and Hillsboro School Board members will be joining us to discuss all your questions and concerns about education during COVID-19. RSVP here.
Education Links
Medical Waste Disposal
DEQ has shared the following guidance related to the proper disposal of medical waste exposed to COVD-19. Most medical waste associated with the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 is not considered infectious waste, also known as biohazardous or biomedical waste, and should not be incinerated or treated any differently than routine medical waste. This includes most gloves, masks, gowns, swabs and other medical equipment.
This distinction is important as incorrect over-treatment of COVID-19 medical waste by incineration may strain Oregon’s waste incineration capacity.
A factsheet with more information is available here: How to Dispose of Medical Waste Exposed to COVID-19. Visit DEQ’s COVID-19 page for more information about their response to this emergency.
Insurance Updates
Auto Insurance Refunds, Credits, and Extended Coverage Coming to Oregonians
Several auto insurance companies have been working with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation to provide auto insurance premium refunds and credits to Oregonians.
The refunds and credits are due to the reduced risk of auto accidents because of Gov. Kate Brown’s Stay Home, Save Lives executive order. The division encourages all carriers to consider providing refunds that reflect the reduced risk of auto liabilities due to the emergency order. This includes taking steps to reclassify vehicle usage, and properly adjusting any mileage-based policy metrics.
Last week, the division provided guidance to insurance carriers for issuing the refunds to help process the filings and get money to consumers as quickly as possible.
Here is a list of the insurance companies that have committed to provide refunds and credits to Oregon customers.
“Thank you to the insurance companies that have stepped up to provide these refunds to their customers,” said Andrew Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner. “Our division is proud to help insurance companies provide this much needed relief to Oregonians.”
In addition to the premium refunds, the division has asked all insurers to provide temporary private passenger auto insurance coverage for drivers delivering food, prescriptions, and other products for their employers.
“The coronavirus has forced many businesses to rely on delivery services as a primary source of income. This has created an urgent need for insured delivery drivers,” said Stolfi. “Providing this coverage helps employers maintain essential income and keeps many of their employees working.”
Consumers who have insurance or financial services questions related to COVID-19 can visit the division’s COVID-19 page.
If you have questions about your auto insurance premium refund or about your insurance coverage, contact your insurance company.
If you have issues with an insurance company or agent, contact the division’s advocacy team one of three ways:
State Extends Emergency Order for Insurance Deadlines
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has extended its emergency order on insurance deadlines. The order requires all insurance companies to extend grace periods for premium payments, postpone policy cancellations and nonrenewals, and extend deadlines for reporting claims.
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused widespread business closures, job losses, and social distancing measures. This severe disruption to business in the state includes some Oregonians’ ability to make insurance premium payments, report claims, and communicate with their insurance companies.
“Many of our insurers are stepping up in several ways to help their customers through this crisis. We appreciate those that are issuing auto refunds and credits, providing access to telehealth services, and waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner. “Extending the emergency order ensures Oregonians can continue to get relief from these insurance policy terms and continue to focus on staying healthy and caring for their families.”
Insurance companies must continue to do the following until the order is no longer in effect:
- Institute a grace period for premium payments on all insurance policies issued in the state
- Suspend all cancellations and nonrenewals for active insurance policies
- Extend all deadlines for consumers to report claims and communicate about claims
- Provide consumers the ability to make premium payments and report claims while maintaining safe social distancing standards
If Oregonians have questions or concerns about their insurance company or agent, they can contact the department’s advocacy team at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or visit dfr.oregon.gov for more information or to file a complaint.
Visit the department’s COVID-19 consumer page for insurance and financial services information. Insurance companies and professionals are encouraged to visit the COVID-19 regulated businesses page for more information about the order and other guidance issued by the department.
Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence
The Washington County D.A.'s Office has prepared several resource graphics for victims of domestic violence, including how to obtain a restraining order during COVID-19. Follow this link for more information.
  Follow this link for an interactive guide on filing for a restraining order online and go here to begin the application process.
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
Making A Difference
I get many inquiries from constituents asking how they can help-whether it be donations, volunteering, or making masks- so many of you are looking for ways to help others right now. How Can I Help with the Coronavirus Effort in Oregon? offers some suggestions for Oregonians to help each other through this time of crisis.
"Remember that staying home, and keeping six feet between you and other people when you do need to go out for groceries, is the best way to show your support for your fellow Oregonians. Staying at home will save lives. Now might be the first time in history that sitting on your couch makes you a hero!"
Having Fun From Home
The Hillsboro Library is offering many activities online. On Tuesday, May 5th, from 7:00pm - 8:00 pm, they will be hosting "Online Trivia Night" via Zoom. Form your teams and join in the fun! See here for information on how to participate. For a full calendar of events visit here.
This crisis has challenged us in many ways. It is more important than ever that we are here for each other. We will get through this. We need to give support, encouragement, compassion and grace to those around us. Our local businesses need us right now. When you shop local, your dollars stay local. Whether purchasing a meal for delivery or curbside pick-up, buying a gift on-line from a local store, or buying a gift card for future use, your generosity will help keep our local economy going. Learn about ways you can support local business here. I am proud to represent you. #NorthPlainsStrong #HillsboroStrong #ProudToBeHD30
Shop Local video
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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