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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, the United States of America surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths. The loss is simply incalculable, and my heart goes out to all of the families, friends, and community members whose lives are now irreparably changed because of this loss.
As we reflect, we must remember that the impacts of this disease are not felt equally across all communities. Here in Oregon, Latinos account for 22% of the coronavirus cases despite representing only 13% of the population. Researchers at Portland State University are linking proximity to air polluters with a higher risk for coronavirus complications, and the Oregonian reported that, “40% of the people of color who live in Portland live within 2 kilometers of the city’s biggest sources of air pollution.” The House Interim Committee on Judiciary heard yesterday that “Of the 50 largest clusters of COVID-19 cases nationwide, just over 30 include prisons and jails.” And, many minority-owned businesses struggled to get to access to federal coronavirus assistance. We have heard time and again that the disease does not discriminate, but many of our historic systems and polices do.
As I mourn the 100,000 lives lost and reflect on the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I have a heavy heart. The dehumanization of black and brown people in this country has caused more pain, violence, and death than we can ever fully know. Earlier this week, I was asked about what serving in the Legislature means to me. For me, it is about fighting for justice for our communities and for the most vulnerable. It’s about ensuring the marginalized don’t just have a seat at the table, but are able to serve in the seats of power.
I have said it before and I will say it again, the coronavirus pandemic has magnified all of the inequalities that already existed. For communities of color, we were already well aware of these problems. People may want to point fingers and place blame for the current imbalance and inequities, but the truth is no one decision led to these disparate outcomes. They are the consequences of decision after decision, rooted in institutional and systemic racism and discrimination.
We know and can clearly see that the previous way of doing things did not work, and as we look to our post-COVID future, we cannot return to the status quo. Hope for a better future will not be enough; we must commit to dismantling the pillars of institutional inequities and keep pushing even when we’re tired. That means an equity lens must be brought to each and every one of our questions and to our decisions, no matter how small. The work ahead is all encompassing, and it will take place in our homes, our communities, our workplaces, and our government. You have a commitment from me to continue fighting for a better, more just future, and I hope you will help hold me accountable.
In solidarity,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
Multnomah County Update
Multnomah County Chair, Deborah Kafoury, announced that the county plans to submit its proposal to enter Phase 1 on June 5th, and should the application by approved by the state, they hope to reopen on June 12th. The County’s Public Health Division continues to focus on meeting two outstanding metrics— establishing access to adequate testing for underserved communities, and hiring and deploying a sufficient team of culturally competent contact tracers. The County said they will continue to work with safety net clinics, hospitals and community health partners to ensure access to testing is more equitable for all Multnomah County residents and that they are able to meet the necessary threshold.
Last week, I reported to you that Multnomah County was 36% of the way towards meeting the 15 contact tracers per 100,000 people rate set forth by the state. Since then, the county has hired additional contact tracers, and they are now 48% of the way towards their goal. In other good news, the county’s contact tracers are now reaching nearly all new cases within 24 hours of receiving positive test results, which is critical for minimizing and stopping outbreaks.
You can read Multnomah County’s full statement regarding their reopening plans here and track their progress towards meeting reopening metrics here.
Also, since May 15th, retail stores statewide have been allowed to operate more broadly. I know the reopening guidance can be confusing, especially with part of my district in Phase 1 and part not. So, I wanted to share the document the Oregon Health Authority created to answer some of the common questions regarding the new guidelines. The FAQ also describes the guidelines for malls and shopping centers in Phase 1 counties.
Rental Assistance
Last month, the Emergency Board allocated $8.5 million in rental assistance for Oregonians impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This assistance is available to individuals who make 50% or less of the area median income, but applicants who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will also be prioritized. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has distributed the allocated funds to regional Community Action Agencies (CAAs), who will then distribute this rent assistance to individuals. I have included the direct numbers and websites for the CAAs in my district below. You can find more information about these community organizations here.
Clackamas County Social Services Department (CCSSD), (503) 655-8575
Multnomah County, CALL: 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (Language interpreters available by phone)
Oregon Employment Department
Much remains the same in regard to the Oregon Employment Department (OED) since my last newsletter: I continue to hear from constituents who are still waiting on their unemployment benefits and who have received insufficient communication from the OED. As legislators, we are committed to holding the agency accountable, and we will continue to suggest solutions. That being said, I know none of this is happening soon enough. So, please continue to contact my office if you have not received your unemployment benefits, so we can follow-up with the department directly.
On Wednesday, OED presented to the House Interim Committee on Business and Labor. Many of us were disappointed that there was not enough time for the agency to answer publicly the numerous questions from legislators. So, the agency will be appearing before the committee again tomorrow, May 30th from 9:00am-12:00pm. You can watch the livestream and recorded committee hearings on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). I appreciate the Legislature’s bipartisan call for agency transparency and increased communication, and I look forward to hopefully hearing more about how the department will improve its handling of this crisis.
Health Care
Many Oregonians are experiencing layoffs, drastically reduced hours, and uncertainty in their jobs. For those with employer-based health insurance, this can mean the loss of health coverage when it is most vital. To help you navigate your options, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) has put together helpful information here sharing the seven ways workers with employer-based insurance can maintain coverage after a layoff or reduction in hours.
If you need assistance looking at your options, a licensed health insurance agent can help you. An online tool to help Oregonians find licensed health insurance agents in their area is available through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Enter your ZIP code and select the Health Insurance Agents option to find a list of licensed agents who can help you navigate this process.
Public Library Services
Thank you to the Lake Oswego Library team for all of their work to provide new ways to continue to promote literacy, expand access to digital resources, and support out community during this time. The library has expanded access to its online resource collection including additional e-books, educational resources, and movies. They have also shifted community programs online such as trivia, author talks, and virtual book clubs. You can find all of the various events and resources the library has made available remotely here, as well as sign-up for a Lake Oswego e-library card here. Plus, in the coming weeks, they will begin providing curbside pickup for books and materials, so more to come.
Multnomah County Libraries have also made a great effort to shift their services online. You can learn more about what’s available and sign-up for a library card here.
Census
Data collected during the census is critical for helping guide how many dollars in federal assistance Oregon will receive over the next 10 years to fund our schools, hospitals, roads, and more. As this pandemic has made clear, we are going to need those dollars more than ever before, so an accurate count is critical. The good news is that we will have more time to ensure everyone in this state is counted, because the Census Count has been extended and will now end on October 31st.
As of March 28th, Oregon’s self-response rate was 63.1%, which is higher than the national average of 60.3%. We trail our neighbors to the north (Washington’s response rate is 65.6%), and Minnesota leads the nation at 70.1%. You can track our progress here.
So, we still have work to do to ensure everyone is counted. Please don’t wait until the last minute to fill out your census form. You can complete the census today either online, by mail, or by phone. Visit my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to make sure you are counted.
If you have any further questions, I encourage you to visit oregon2020census.gov. There you can find answers to frequently asked questions, helpful resources, and contact information for experts on the 2020 Census.
 ¡No es demasiado tarde para ser contado y hacer un impacto para su comunidad durante los próximos 10 años! Responda hoy al Censo 2020: https://vimeo.com/406310458/332dab0398
DMV Offices Reopening Soon
Starting on June 3rd, some DMV offices will open by appointment only. The DMV will start accepting calls to make appointments June 1. It’s important to note that not all DMV offices will be accepting appointments due to staffing impacts and social distancing requirements. The department continues to encourage customers to do what they can online or through the mail, and they created a video to let you know about some of the transactions you can complete from home today.
email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-485, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas
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