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Friends and Neighbors,
Washington County Updates
Governor Kate Brown Announces Phase I Approval for Washington County
Washington County to enter Phase I on June 1
Governor Kate Brown announced yesterday that Washington County can begin entering Phase I of reopening on Monday, June 1 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. County officials presented their completed application to the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Office to confirm the county has met Oregon’s safety and preparedness prerequisites for reopening. Phase I reopening details:
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Restaurants and bars for sit-down service: Requirements include 6 feet of social distancing; a limit of groups to parties of 10 or fewer; food and drink consumption must end by 10 p.m.; and workers are required to wear masks. See more details on the requirements
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Barbers, salons and massage businesses: Requirements include social distancing; appointment-only; and a personal protective equipment and customer list. See more details on the requirements
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Gyms and fitness centers: Requirements include a maximum gathering limit; social distancing; and sanitation. See more details on the requirements
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In-person gatherings: Up to 25 people, no travel
For more information on the county reopening process, visit coronavirus.oregon.gov.
Resources To Help Businesses Reopen
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Thank you to the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce for compiling this list of resources to use as guidance in preparation for reopening.
The State of Oregon has issued specific guidance for industry's to reopen under phase one. Below is a list of guidance documents issued by the state of Oregon.
Guidance For Counties That Enter Phase One:
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Statewide Guidance:
More information can be found on the Governor of Oregon's website by clicking here.
PPE Resources:
The Hillsboro Chamber has created this sign for Chamber members to welcome back customers to Hillsboro's businesses.
The sign can be downloaded here.
Spanish language signs can be downloaded here.
Printed copies, courtesy of Lithtex Printing Solutions, will be available in the coming days.
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Unemployment Insurance Updates
I am really not going to sugarcoat this, I have been more than a little frustrated by the delayed response of the Employment Department to Oregonians and their unemployment claims. I will agree that they have experienced a historic high-volume of claims in a short period of time. I will agree that the tools they are working with are not sufficient for the high-volume of claims. I will agree that their department has experienced huge growth in a short period of time to react to the high-volume of claims. I will agree they have been working long hours, straight days and very hard in order to deal with the high-volume of claims. I will agree that most claims have been processed. What I will not stand by and agree with, is their lack of a strong communication plan. Many of the people that have filed a claim have never had to do so before in their life and to not get a response that their claim is accepted and in process or under review, leads to unnecessary stress and a feeling of unknown for their next steps. When we are in the middle of a crisis, communication is not only critical, it is key. If people knew a check was coming soon, they could plan their bills accordingly, but not knowing is bringing about feelings of panic and desperation as time goes on. Oregonians want to be heard. Constituents have reached out to my office. Nickole and I have fielded emails, phone calls and messages. We were able to connect some of them to a local WorkSource Center to get the answer they needed (see below for more on those centers). Others, we escalated to the Employment Department and the Governor’s office, and we waited. People just need to know that they did the right thing when they filed, that their claim is being processed and that help is on the way. I get it, this crisis is unprecedented and overwhelming, but solid communication is needed to help people put their mind at ease and to allow them to make a plan.
I am encouraged that they are implementing a new way to get help to those that need it most and hopeful that this will bring much needed answers to Oregonians that are waiting.
Please read below, highlights from the following statement released this week from Oregon Employment Director Kay Erickson on Processing Claims in Oregon:
Oregon is facing unprecedented unemployment and hundreds of thousands of Oregon families are counting on unemployment benefits to pay for their basic needs. While the Oregon Employment Department has paid a record number of Oregonians within two to three weeks, for too many Oregonians, their claims are in a backlog. We know how frustrating it has been for those who are trying to reach us about the status of their claims and
have been unable to get through. That is why we are launching Project Focus 100. The goal is straightforward: to process 100 percent of the 38,000 claim backlog as quickly as possible and get Oregonians the relief they need. We will use four successful strategies:
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Continue surge hiring: We continue hiring and training new employees to ensure every Oregonian gets the benefits they’re owed in a timely fashion.
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Further focus our experienced professionals on the oldest and most complex claims: For two weeks, from May 29 to June 12, we will increase our outbound calls to resolve claims for those that have been waiting the longest. To do this, our most experienced employees will take time away from answering the phones. We will also temporarily reassign job center employees to take incoming calls to help resolve questions, in all languages.
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Increase proactive contact and communication: We’re piloting new ways of contacting Oregonians to let them know where their claims are in the system and to solve problems. We now have pre-recorded phone messages and emails will confirm that we’ve received your PUA claim. We’re also working to add a customer service chat bot to our website.
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Use technology to close gaps and improve service: We have identified strategies that move claims out of processing traps that can hang them up. That has already moved thousands of claims through processing. We will continue using these strategies to speed up processing and get Oregonians whose claims have been stuck the benefits they’re owed.
See full statement here.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) pays an additional $600 of benefits each week in addition to other Unemployment Insurance (UI) or similar benefits you are eligible to receive. It is paid as a separate payment in the same week as your other unemployment benefits.
You are eligible to receive FPUC if you are collecting benefits under any of the following programs:
- Regular Unemployment Insurance
- Unemployment Insurance for Civilian Federal Employees (UCFE)
- Unemployment Insurance for Ex-Service Members (UCX)
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- Work Share
- Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
- Self-Employment Assistance (SEA)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or
- Extended Benefits (EB)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is open and accepting applications. Self-employed, contract, and gig workers not eligible for regular unemployment benefits can submit claims by mail, fax, or by secure upload here.
**Self-employed, contract, gig and other workers not eligible for regular unemployment benefits should complete the PUA application one time, and then only file weekly certifications once per week by email, mail, fax, or secure upload each week they remain out of work or have greatly reduced income due to COVID-19 closures.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is a program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 that provides an extension to regular Unemployment Insurance benefits. This extension adds 13 weeks of benefits to a regular claim for those that are eligible.
PEUC Payments
Benefit Amount: Your weekly benefit amount is the same as your regular unemployment claim. Duration of PEUC Benefits (an additional 13 weeks):
- First Payable Week: Week starting March 29, 2020.
- Last Payable Week: Week ending December 26, 2020.
PEUC Eligibility
You could be eligible for PEUC if:
- You used all benefits from a current claim for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- Your most recent valid claim expired after July 1, 2019.
- You do not qualify for a claim in any other state, Canada, or through another federal program.
- You must meet our temporary eligibility requirements related to COVID-19.
You are not eligible for PEUC if:
- You are eligible for a regular unemployment insurance claim.
- Your most recent valid claim expired prior to June 30, 2019.
- You qualify for a claim in any other state, Canada, or through another federal program.
- You do not meet our temporary eligibility requirements related to COVID-19.
Information for Employers
- Employers will not be charged for PEUC benefits paid to employees.
- Employers should respond to the Notice of Claim (form 220) or a SIDES notification if a claim is filed for an employee who is not working for reasons unrelated to COVID-19.
- Employers should respond to the Notice of Claim (form 220) or SIDES notification to report any paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits.
WorkSource Centers
It can be frustrating when you cannot get through to the numbers given on the Unemployment website. Several of my constituents have had better luck trying the different WorkSource offices around the state and getting through to a live person. Here is a list: Local WorkSource Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
This video answers some of the more commonly asked questions the Employment Department is receiving around UI Benefits related to COVID-19.
 Small Business Updates
Washington County to Host Spanish Language Reopening Guidance Webinar
- ¿Como poder tener una reapertura exitosa de nuestros negocios de acuerdo a las guías estatales?
El condado de Washington va a dar un seminario web para ayudar a nuestros dueños Latinos de negocios a prepararse para la reapertura usando las guías de la gobernadora. Este seminario web de una hora, explorará las guías estatales más recientes, discutirá las consideraciones relacionadas con las guías estatales, e invitará la participación de ustedes para hacer preguntas. Únase a nosotros el lunes 1 de junio a las 11 a.m.
El enlace para participar es: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653257163?pwd=cWViM3JZRXdUanI1dHZpYTczUWpQUT09
- How can we have a successful reopening of our businesses according to state guidelines?
Washington County is hosting a webinar to help our Latino business owners prepare for the reopening using the governor's guidelines. This one-hour webinar will explore the latest state guidelines, discuss considerations related to the state guidelines, and invite your participation to ask questions. Join us on Monday, June 1 at 11 a.m.
The link to participate is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82653257163?pwd=cWViM3JZRXdUanI1dHZpYTczUWpQUT09
Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Webinars
Register here for Oregon Restaurant & Lodging webinars that focus on managing reduced hours and layoffs, shifting focus to takeout and delivery, and other Covid-19 topics.
House District 30 Small Business Survey
I recognize the challenges of sorting through all of the information available to businesses as they plan to enter Phase 1 of reopening. My office hopes to gather stories of triumph, hardship and perseverance. I would also like to provide assistance to help our community to safely get back to work, play and more. If you are a small business owner in House District 30, I would love to hear from you.
U.S. Census Bureau is Hiring Workers for 2020 Census Counting
The 2020 Census is still hiring. The Census is looking for people to work as enumerators in their local communities. These jobs pay between $18-$20/hr. Click on the flyers below for more information.
  DMV Updates
Since March 25 all DMV offices across the state have been closed – except 6 offices which have remained open by appointment for commercial driver license issuance only. Please see the following information provided by the DMV about offices reopening.
- Beginning June 3, 40 (of 60 total) DMV offices will be open across the state by appointment only
- Beginning June 1, DMV will begin scheduling appointments
- For offices in the Portland metro area, call this number to schedule an appointment: (503) 945-5000
- For offices in the Salem metro area, call this number to schedule an appointment: (503) 299-9999
- For offices outside the Portland or Salem metro areas, call your local DMV office to schedule an appointment: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/offices/index.aspx
- Until further notice, DMV offices will only process certain priority transactions:
- Commercial Driver License issuance, renewal, and replacement
- Farm endorsements
- Standard/Class C Driver License issuance, renewal, and replacement (beginning July 6 replacements will be available online and will no longer be done in-person)
- ID card issuance, renewal, and replacement (beginning July 6 replacements will be available online and will no longer be done in-person)
- Driver license reinstatements
- Transactions that can be done online will NOT be processed in-person – see our website for all of the things that can be done online
- DMV will NOT conduct driving tests (skills tests) for new drivers
For all offices restoring in-person service, we are taking steps to ensure health and sanitation for customers and our employees:
- Reduced maximum occupancy for each office
- Plexiglass shields at each counter/desk
- “in” and “out” doors to encourage one-way flow, where possible
- Markings and other indicators to ensure social distancing in the lobby
- Hand sanitizer available; increased sanitation/cleaning protocols for all offices
- DMV employees will wear facial coverings; DMV customers will be encouraged to wear facial coverings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: DMV requires a vision test to renew my license, can I take care of that while DMV offices do not offer that service?
Yes. Vision tests can be conducted by an eye doctor if they complete this form. When DMV offices re-open, bring the signed form with you to complete your driver license renewal. Otherwise, you’ll need to pass a vision test during your next DMV office visit.
Q: What if my employer, or other entity, won’t accept my expired driver license and I need to apply for a job, public benefits, travel, etc.?
Generally, the decision to accept an expired driver license or ID card is made by each business or government agency. For example, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided for security screening purposes at airports to accept driver licenses expired after March 1, 2020 and cannot be renewed by state DMVs. Check to see if that entity has made accommodation to allow expired ID.
Making A Difference
Free Geek TechNow Drive
Intel has teamed up with First Tech Federal Credit Union and Oregon Business Council to organize the Free Geek TechNOW Drive. Current estimates show that more than 75,000 Oregon students are without a computer to support the distance learning now required due to COVID-19. We’re uniting the business community and general public to help close the digital divide for Oregon students and families.
The TechNOW drive is a 10-day series of contactless, drive-through technology collection sites across the Portland Metro region, with all devices going to Free Geek, an organization dedicated to reusing technology, enabling digital access and providing education. The goal is to collect 10,000 devices (laptops, cell phones and tablets) through both technology and financial contributions.
The drive kicks off on Wednesday, May 27, and continues for two weeks at ten different sites. We’ve made participating safe and easy. Drop sites include the Hillsboro Hops, First Tech, and Intel. Full schedule here.
Supporting Medical Workers
Vernier Software & Technology put their 3D printers to good use to print PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) for medical workers. Several options were explored to see which designs were being used and had an organized way to get them into the hands of healthcare workers. They partnered with MakerForce. They are a local group that is well organized and serves requests from hospitals and clinics from all over the Portland area and western WA. Vernier also printed ear savers (the white piece in the picture) that help eliminate fatigue on workers' ears from wearing masks all day.
2020 Amazing Kids
 Community is important to Pamplin Media Group and that’s why we choose to honor Amazing Kids in our local areas each year. We are looking for those special youth who rise above the crowd in all manner of ways. They might be sports stars, or academic champs or entrepreneurs but most of all they are the helpers. They show through their actions the hope and promise of the next generation.
This year, more than ever, we are pleased to be able to recognize our amazing young people for all they do. Disruptions caused by the coronavirus have forced us all into isolation. Many of the milestones our young people look forward to -- like prom, spring sports, banquets, assemblies and even graduation itself -- have been cancelled. Yet our young people are rising to the challenge as students, as athletes and volunteers.
Please help us tell their stories. Let's share some good news and be inspired. Let's celebrate!
Amazing Kids will be selected by newspaper staff for each of the areas covered by Pamplin Media Group. The Amazing Kid’s photo and a professionally written story about them will appear in a special section, online and in advertisements. Unfortunately, our Amazing Kids special gala will be cancelled this year. But we can still make this a special event with your help.
Deadline for nominations has been extended to 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2020.
Nominate an Amazing Kid here.
Additional Resources
District Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education 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
 Be good to yourself and to each other. We will get through this together.
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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