|
Greetings!
Last week, the Legislature took action…at a distance! Meeting over video call from their home districts, the legislative Emergency Board allocated more than $30 million for urgent needs. The E-board is a bipartisan, bicameral committee of legislative leaders who can allocate limited funds when the Legislature is not in session.
The items they voted on included:
-
$8.5M for rent assistance to keep people in their homes
-
$3.5M for safe shelter alternatives for agricultural workers and houseless people
-
$2M to support victims of domestic and sexual violence
-
$10M to help small businesses that have been left out of the federal stimulus.
-
$10M for the Oregon Workers Relief fund, to provide assistance to Oregon workers who are not eligible for unemployment or federal benefits
The E-board meeting in an empty room on 4/23
This is an important step to address some of the struggles Oregonians are already experiencing, and I will have more information on how funding will be distributed in the coming weeks and days. If you are struggling to make ends meet right now, know that you are not alone and there are resources to help you. I have compiled some of those resources at the end of this newsletter, and you can always call 2-1-1 or reach out to my office for additional assistance.
Despite the challenges we are facing, a recent poll found that Oregonians are overwhelmingly supportive of the measures our state has taken to save lives. It doesn’t surprise me that Oregonians of every background and political stripe are stepping up to protect their neighbors. The most recent modeling shows that we have prevented over 70,000 infections by staying home and staying safe. THANK YOU and KEEP AT IT!
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is open and accepting applications. If you have been laid off or furloughed due to COVID but are not typically eligible for UI—for instance, you are self-employed, an independent contractor, or new to the workforce—this program may be for you. Payments will be backdated to the date you first lost income due to COVID.
You can apply via email, mail, or fax using the instructions on the Employment Department’s website, or watch this handy video. Note that if you already have a UI claim pending, you'll complete an application online.
 We have heard from many constituents who are struggling to access unemployment and can’t get through to fix or check on your claim. It’s clear that the system is not working the way it should, and it is understandable that people are frustrated. Please know that the staff at OED are working as hard as they can to help everyone. Benefits are backdated and you will be paid what you are owed, even if there is a technical error or you are unable to get through on the phone. You can find past unemployment updates in my previous newsletters.
Looking towards the future. The Governor’s office continues to make plans to ease restrictions while keeping us all safe. This article is a great summary of the data and preparedness measures the state is considering before beginning to open again. In addition, Governor Brown has announced that non-emergency medical procedures may start up again. Hospitals and providers who follow certain guidelines will be able to begin these procedures as soon as May 1st.
Paycheck Protection Program. Congress has put another $310 billion towards the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP is intended to help small businesses keep people employed with forgiveable loans backed by the U.S. Government. We heard that many small businesses were unable to access funds in the first round. I posted some tips for businesses this time around from our own Mt. Hood Small Business Development center here. The short version: get in line quickly, make sure you know where your application stands, and have a plan for the loan.
Flexibility for businesses. The Oregon Department of Revenue has announced additional flexibility for businesses who pay the Oregon Corporate Activities Tax. Under the new rule, businesses who are subject to the CAT but owe less than $10,000 will not have their first CAT payment due until April 15, 2021. The CAT funds the Student Success Act, which makes critical investment in our schools, including class sizes, mental health supports, and career readiness. You can learn more here about the CAT, and here about the Student Success Act.
Great work by the City of Gresham. We got a briefing last week from the City of Gresham about their COVID response efforts. Our city has taken quick action to protect renters and small businesses. They have also redeployed city staff in Operation Gresham Connected, calling over 3,000 of the city’s longest-term utility customers to connect and make sure they have the resources they need.
More information for all. Thank you for continuing to share accurate, helpful information with your networks! There is a lot of misinformation out there, but a pandemic is no time for bigotry or bad rumors. Here are some additional resources:
- The state has updated their central COVID response website. It includes case data, resources, updates, and information on how to do your part.
- For non-English speakers, Multnomah County is providing information in over 20 languages on their website. There is information about coronavirus and the public charge rule in 11 languages under the “immigrants and refugees” tab on this site.
- The Oregon Health Authority and partners have launched a Spanish-language Facebook page to share information about health and the virus.
- The CDC has a series of American Sign Language videos about coronavirus care, symptoms, and prevention (thank you Ruth for the suggestion!).
- And the WHO has updated their list of Coronavirus myth busters here.
With the end of the month fast approaching, I wanted to recap some resources that are out there. You can find my past newsletters here for information about food access, childcare, and more. In addition, 211Info is an excellent resource to answer your questions and get you help. They are open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. by phone (call 2-1-1), text (text your ZIP code to 898211) or email (help@211info.org).
Rent. A residential eviction moratorium is in place statewide. That means that your landlord cannot evict you due to nonpayment of rent, and cannot give you a notice of eviction or charge you late fees. The Oregon Law Center has put together videos in English and in Spanish with clear information and practical advice.
Mortgages. The federal CARES Act gives homeowners impacted by the COVID crisis the right to request a forbearance on a federally-backed loan for up to 180 days, and establishes a 60-day moratorium on foreclosures for federally backed loans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has straightforward guidance and more information here.
 Click to watch a video about protections for residential tenants in Oregon
Utilities. Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Northwest Natural have suspended all disconnections and late fees. Portland and Gresham have also suspended disconnections for water services. That means that you will not lose service if you can’t pay your bill, though you will still owe that money once the emergency is over. If you are having trouble paying, it is a good idea to contact your utility provider directly to learn more about bill payment options. You can also call 2-1-1 to connect you to public and private energy assistance programs.
In addition, Comcast is suspending disconnections and offering a limited internet package to new customers for free through June. More information about what utility and internet companies are doing can be found here.
Insurance. The state has implemented emergency regulations on insurance companies that require them to institute a grace period for premiums, suspend cancellations, and extend deadlines to report claims. This applies to all insurance policies issued in Oregon, including health and auto insurance. The Department of Consumer and Business Services has compiled some helpful information and practical advice here. If you are having trouble making premium payments as a result COVID-19, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company or agent directly.
In addition, several auto insurers have reached an agreement with the state to provide premium refunds and credits to Oregonians, since few of us are driving much these days. More information here or from your insurance company.
 Tsuru Island in 2019
I hope you, like me, have had the chance to spend some time outdoors in this beautiful place we call home. Please reach out if you need assistance...and thank you for continuing to stay home, save lives, and protect our community!
Sincerely,
 Carla C. Piluso
State Representative, House District 50
email: Rep.CarlaPiluso@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1450
address: 900 Court St NE, H-491, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/piluso
| 
