_{*  “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}

We’ve enjoyed your recent photos of beautiful Southern Oregon so much that we want to share more. This photo was provided by Cynthia L Barnard. 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

            Phase 1 of Reopening Oregon is in its second week. Most people returning to businesses and public spaces are respecting the guidelines on hygiene, masking and distancing. But some aren’t. My inbox gets the full range of opinion, from deep concern about the economic impacts of cautious re-opening to strident calls to resist this “assault on our liberties” to biting criticism of those strident calls. Like this one:

The mixed email opinion is matched by mixed results from our first 12 days of re-opening. We don’t have a Second Wave on our hands, but the trend line for new cases is tilting up. After nearly no increase in Jackson County from May 1-15, the total Covid case count has increased from 50 to 65 since May 15; the county still has no reported deaths from the virus. That means we don’t yet have a clear picture to predict when we can move into Phase II, which will ease travel restrictions and increase the number of people who can gather together at one time (the current Phase I limit is 24 people).

How have trends been going outside of our valley? This article puts together the national picture as of yesterday.

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

While it’s not much comfort for the people who’ve waited many weeks for service, the state seems to be catching up on the huge backlog of unemployment claims. If you’ve heard nothing helpful on your case after several weeks, or can’t find a human being after hours on the phone or computer, contact me at sen.jeffgolden@oregonlegislature.gov . Besides your name, please include the date you applied and any confirmation number you received from earlier interactions. Let’s see if we can get all the way caught up.

If you have already applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which is different from traditional unemployment eligibility, by mail or fax, it’s likely that you did not receive an automatically generated notice in the mail, which contains customer ID information. If this is your situation, you can use your social security number to file weekly claims rather than using your customer ID number. If you have not yet applied for PUA and would like to, visit this link to file through the online system.

I know there are also many questions surrounding PUA, and I have found this Frequently Asked Questions document from the Employment Department to be very useful.

Keep taking care of yourself and others—

Senator Jeff Golden, Oregon Senate District 3

Important Updates

• Today, May 28th from 9am-4pm, PPE will be distributed free of charge to Jackson County agricultural producers and farmworkers. No documentation is required to qualify. You can find more details and the address of the event at this link.
  
  
• As Jackson County continues in Phase 1 of reopening, many are navigating questions about what activities are safe. This article provides information about activities and their relative safety during this time.
  
  
• The state's general information site is a useful tool during this time. For most current information statewide, visit this link. For more detailed information, visit this link.
  
  
• Starting June 9, most campgrounds will be offering first-come first-serve camping for a maximum stay of 14 days. Please be responsible while visiting these outdoor areas and continue to social distance while out. For answers to frequently asked questions, utilize this link.  For updates about Jackson County Parks, visit this link.

Resources for Current Information

• Business Oregon has compiled this useful table, which can be used to locate PPE manufacturers and distributors.
  
  
• 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 linked here.
  
  
• 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

Business Resources:

• 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. Click here to view.
  
  

• 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. Find more information here.

Social Services:

• Governor Brown has outlined final guidelines for childcare facilities. If childcare facilities meet the guidelines, they have been authorized to open as of May 15th.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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 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.

For Parents and Students:

• Need more reading material? Check out Jackson County's digital library services. They have ebooks, audio books, TV and movies you can rent. The Jackson County Libraries are also gradually reopening, starting with a pick-up service where you can stop by a local branch and staff will bring you the books you put on hold before the shut down in March.
  
  
• 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.