Many Matters and My Commitment to HD19

Representative Raquel Moore-Green

At this time, it is difficult for me to find the words to express my outrage at the brutality and violence that has flooded our cities, states, and our nation these last 20 days. We in Marion County have been leading the way for years regarding community corrections, sentencing reform and justice reinvestment. I believe we will continue to be a community that cares about our fellow neighbor. We must listen, truly hear, open our hearts– We Must Strive to do Better!

This past week I have participated in numerous meetings – I have been listening to the Black community, hearing and reading from my colleagues, our leaders locally, statewide and nationally. Countless life experiences, opinions, and sorrow shared by hundreds - so many to list a few -

  • The POC Caucus of the Oregon State Legislature see press release here
  • Oregon Recovers for the excellent Facebook live “A Special Recovery Talk: Surviving Racism” (which you can still view on their page) link here
  • My friend and community leader Jerry Ambris, ED, Habitat for Humanity, who shared his on the ground reality
  • The honorable Margaret Carter, former state legislator for her words
  • The City of Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett, Chief of Police Jerry Moore, and Salem Kezier School Board Director Satya Chandragiri for their time
  • Gregg Simpson for organizing and leading the peaceful BLM march in Salem on Saturday – yes I did attend
  • Face the Nation and their guest Condoleezza Rice
  • My pastor Bruce Stefanik https://www.cothcommunity.com

As some of these wise beyond years individuals have stated – yes there are and have been grave injustices; have we addressed this – yes; is there more to do-YES! Moving forward we must come together – united to continue this work of correcting injustices and eradicating the sin of racism.

From the first day in office hearing from you has been my priority. What you care about, how you see issues, and what outcomes you would like for our community and state. I have not wavered from this commitment and I will not. My first and foremost duty as your state representative is to understand - I will continue to listen, to respond, and to lead as we work our way to healing and justice for all.  

As a colleague of mine, retired Washington County Judge Tom Kohl, signs his name “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.” Please join me in moving forward in unity.


E-Board Allocations – COVID19

The Legislative Emergency Board met on June 5th and approved more than $247 million in federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to support Oregonians and small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic – Here is the breakdown of the allocations approved:

  • $75 million to support rental assistance, housing stabilization and mortgage assistance This is in addition to $25 million in Hardest Hit money for foreclosure prevention.
  • $10 million in additional support to the Oregon Worker Relief Fund which supports Oregonians who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • $15 million to support individuals having difficulty paying their utility bills.
  • $3.5 million to expand access to affordable telephone and broadband service for low-income households.
  • $4 million to support survivors of domestic violence.
  • $25.6 million to enhance behavioral health services for people impacted by COVID-19, with a focus on communities of color, our federally recognized tribes, and vulnerable populations.
  • $30 million in assistance to help child care providers stay in business.
  • $20 million to support the Rural Broadband Capacity Program to support safe distancing practices by connecting schools, health care providers and businesses.
  • $50 million for rural hospital stabilization grants.
  • $10 million to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for small businesses.
  • $3 million in technical assistance to minority- and women-owned businesses.
  • $1 million for 211 to maintain referral services during the pandemic.

Phase 2 Reopening Oregon

On Friday the 5th, the Marion County Commissioners submitted their plan to the Governor for entering the Phase 2 of reopening. It is anticipated and hoped that we will enter Phase 2 this Friday, June 12th. New Guidance for Phase 2 Counties that enter Phase 2 will be able to continue with the reopening process, following updated health and safety guidance:

  • Gathering limits will be raised to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.

  • Indoor and outdoor venues, including theaters and churches, with 6 feet of physical distancing and other measures in place, can reach a COVID-19 occupancy limit of up to 250.

  • Offices can begin reopening and employees can return to workplaces with physical distancing and other measures in place, though remote work is still strongly recommended whenever possible. 

  • Increased travel will be allowed throughout Oregon, though staying local is still recommended to prevent overloading county health systems.

  • Restaurants and bars will have curfews extended to midnight.

  • Pools and sports courts will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.

  • Indoor and outdoor activities such as bowling, batting cages, and mini golf, will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.

  • Recreational sports can resume in a limited form, under strict physical distancing guidance

DMV Updates

As many of you are aware, Oregon's DMVs have been closed since the start of COVID. I am happy to inform you that they are now reopened! (By appointment only.) 

Upon reopening, the DMV's phone system was immediately overwhelmed. As a result, in-person appointment requests will be processed through an online form. The system is available 24/7, so feel free to go online at any time to request a call-back to schedule an appointment. For scheduling appointments or finding out how to conduct your DMV-related business, visit: OregonDMV.com.

Please see the points and frequently asked questions below for more information related to the DMV reopening:

  • 40 (of 60 total) DMV offices are open across the state by appointment only
  • 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 the website for all of the things that can be done online
  • DMV will NOT conduct driving tests (skills tests) for new drivers

Unemployment Claims

While we continue to receive requests from constituents for assistance in obtaining their unemployment benefits, we are seeing resolution for many. Again, if you are stuck in the system, please reach out to my office via email at Rep.raquelmooregreen@oregonlegislature.gov.            

Legislative Matters

As we continue to work our way through COVID19 and reopening my efforts will focus on having the restriction to playground equipment, pools, and youth sports activities removed. Our students and young people had their communal supply chain – school, sports, music, etc. – cut off in mid-March. It has taken an emotional toll on them, their parents and caregivers. We must ensure all children, individuals, and families have full access to outdoor recreation and play this summer, if they so choose.

There have been many emails and conversations over the ability for Oregonians to protest, which is completely supported, and the irony of not being able to gather in large groups for religious worship. I am reaching out to the Governor in hopes that all Oregonians have the freedom to express themselves.

This week I will continue my participation in the Behavioral Health Alternative Providers Work Group lead by Rep. Andrea Salinas. This is one of the first critical steps in the development of the Behavior Health Roadmap. The vision of this roadmap is to shore up provider networks and service delivery mechanism for the behavioral health needs of Oregonians.

Thank you for engaging with your state government. Please know my door is always open and my staff, Pam McClain, Lena Prine, and I welcome your participation.

Yours truly,

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Representative Raquel Moore-Green
House District 19, South Salem, Turner & Aumsville

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1419
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.RaquelMooreGreen@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/moore-green

Be sure to follow my legislative Facebook @reprmghd19