|
Greetings:
I hope you all were able to safely enjoy the warm weather over Memorial Day weekend and reflect on the many contributions and sacrifices that our service men and women of all stripes have made to protect our country.
Last week, the revenue forecast was released prompting much concern and anxiety among many individuals, community organizations and state agencies. The revenue forecast shows that Oregon – like the rest of the nation – is facing a challenging road ahead after years of economic growth. While the coronavirus pandemic will lead to difficult budget conversations, I will do all that I can to prevent cuts to essential programs, minimize the impact on Oregonians most in need and call on the federal government to provide additional aid. You can find more information on the full financial forecast report in addition to other recent news below.
 |
Financial Forecast and Revenue Report The Senate Interim Committee on Finance and Revenue reported new data concerning the economic impact of COVID-19.Thanks to years of prudent fiscal management, Oregon is the most prepared it has ever been for a recession. Our state has saved more than $1.5 billion in reserve funds to help stabilize our schools and other critical services during an economic downturn. By using a portion of these reserve funds to protect key programs, we can reduce the level of cuts needed. If you would like to watch the full hearing discussing this information, you can do so on OLIS. Here are some highlights from the June Revenue Forecast:
- Total Funds Revenue Decline for 2019-2021: $2.7 billion
- Projected Total Funds Revenue Decline for 2021-2023: $4.4 billion
- Budgetary Reserves: More than $1.5 billion (Rainy Day Fund + Education Stability Fund)
Oregon Health Authority Update The Oregon Health Authority recently provided a Public Health Indicators Dashboard to enable communities across Oregon to monitor COVID-19 in the state.The dashboard, which will be updated weekly on Thursdays, provides a transparent report that presents complex epidemiological data in an interactive, easy-to-understand way on a state and county level. For the latest up-to-date information regarding testing statistics, visit the OHA website. You can review the daily update and read the weekly report that details the overall picture of COVID-19 response efforts across government agencies.
PPE Distribution Locations for the Agriculture Sector This week, 1 million KN95 masks and 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer will be distributed at no cost for farmworkers and agricultural producers in Oregon thanks to hard work and collaboration from various state agencies and county partners. Limited supplies will be provided at each site until supplies are fully distributed. For more information on how to obtain PPE supplies, click here.
Guidance on Businesses and Masks Businesses are adapting their policies to address public health and safety concerns. In light of COVID-19, the Governor has created guidelines to address business policies and practices of wearing a mask for employees and customers. A business must do the following:
- Require employees, contractors and volunteers to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering, unless an accommodation for people with disabilities or other exemption applies.
- Provide masks, face shields, or face coverings for employees.
- If customers or visitors will be required to wear a face covering, develop a policy and post clear signs about any such requirements and provide exceptions to the policy to accommodate people with certain health conditions, or children under two years of age.
- Take into account that places of public accommodation must make reasonable modifications to their policy to allow people with disabilities to access their services.
- You can read the full guidance here.
Report Hate Crimes Bias crimes have no place in our community-I stand by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office stance to aggressively address and prosecute bias crimes to ensure victims are supported. If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime, please contact the Oregon Department of Justice.
I-205 & I-5 Toll Project Public Meeting The Oregon Department of Transportation is looking for community feedback on the I-205 and I-5 toll projects. There will be an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for interested members of the public to provide a brief verbal comment. If you think you may like to share your ideas during the meeting, please plan on joining the webinar. If you would rather submit a written comment, you can do so in advance of the meeting by sending your comment to Region1ACT@odot.state.or.us by 5 p.m., Friday, May 29. Comments received in advance of the meeting will be posted online.
Please reach out to my office if you have any additional questions, or if there’s anything you think I could help with.
Sincerely,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-295, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
| 
