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Below is my weekly update. Read on to learn more about ODE's plan for reopening schools, plans for fire season, and what's going on behind the scenes in Oregon's government.
As always, you can contact me at Rep.KimWallan@oregonlegislature.gov with any questions or concerns.
Best,
Kim
Yesterday, the governor released a 47-page document outlining how schools are to operate in the fall. Despite its length, it does not address a number of school activities, such as music and theatre, or athletics. The ODE intends to answer districts' questions about activities on a case-by-case basis, and says they will address athletics at a later date. While calling for equity, the document makes it clear that every school could look different.
The Jackson County Commission is deliberating this week on whether to formally appeal to the governor to reinstate sports in our county.
You can read the governor's document here.
We on the House Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee are tasked with, among other things, shaping policy to prevent smoky summers in Oregon. Recently, we heard testimony from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) that they are going to fight fires more aggressively than ever to avoid smoky air that would negatively affect COVID-19 patients' health. We were also told that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will not employ their normal "keep it burning" tactic this summer for that reason. I am very hopeful that we will see real effort from USFS to follow ODF's lead and put out fires when they start and keep our air clear.
Here is an article summarizing ODF's testimony: https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/timber
Below is this week's HRO Transparency Thursday update. There is so much going on in state government that doesn’t make it in the news, but that you should know about. These transparency updates are designed to keep you informed about what's happening at the state level that affects our daily lives. Follow the links below to learn more:
Item #1: SOS audit: https://sos.oregon.gov/audits/Documents/2020-21.pdf
Item#2 – Kindergarten Assessment: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=46413694
Item #3 – CAT Hearing: https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36764
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1406
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.KimWallan@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wallan
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