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Hello ~
This week I was asked by the Governor to serve on the Healthy Schools Reopening Council. As a mother and a grandmother education is an issue I care deeply about. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with parents, educators, and health experts from around the state along with some of my colleagues on the Governor’s plan for schools to be able to safely reopen this fall.
The council had its first meeting on Tuesday. We will meet several more times in the coming months and will advise Governor Brown on reopening the schools this fall. I have heard from my community how important this issue is for the health and welfare of our students. As with all issues affecting the constituents of HD19 I welcome your comments and hope to hear from you on this critically important item. Our children are counting on us.
There is also a survey that ODE has had open since this spring, and you may still participate. To date over 12,000 responses have been received. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/readyschools
This is what the council has been charged to accomplish:
Taxes Due July 15th
The Department of Revenue sent out an announcement this week stating that there is “relief” available for second quarter CAT tax payments coming due. The reminder was for businesses owners that second quarter CAT payments are nearing, but that some may qualify for delayed payments. For businesses that are suffering and facing the potential of closing their doors, this “delay” might not be as helpful as needed.
The Governor has the ability to do more to assist Oregon’s struggling businesses who create thousands of jobs and support our communities. In the midst of a global pandemic they continue be hit by aggressive taxing policies. Link to announcement: https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36902
Grant Funding Available to Support Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties
Support for businesses in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic is available. Financial assistance is available thanks to grants from Business Oregon and the Oregon Community Foundation. Willamette Workforce Partnership will be managing the grant process.
The first round of funding will be distributed to businesses in the three county area with up to 25 employees. The amount of the grant will be dependent upon number of employees and fixed operating expenses. Grant amounts will range from $2,500 to $25,000. Applications will be available on the Willamette Workforce Partnership website (willwp.org) on Tuesday, July 21 at noon. Applications will close at noon on Thursday, July 23.
Eligible businesses must be headquartered in Oregon, have 25 or fewer employees, have been adversely affected by Executive Order 20-12 or have a one-month decline in sales greater than 50% in the month of March or April 2020. For profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible. If a business has accessed federal CARES Act funding, they are not eligible for this program.
“During this pandemic, we have seen many opportunities to support businesses adversely impacted. This grant program will allow us to serve both profit and non-profit companies, and can support businesses with more employees. We look forward to helping make a difference for companies as our society learns to live with the situation we are all facing. We are pleased to partner with the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments to help make a difference in our community during these challenging times.” said Kim Parker-Llerenas, Executive Director, Willamette Workforce Partnership.
Free Informational Sessions
Here to Help! Grant Funds Application Process Review
Monday, July 20 6pm – 7pm
Register Online
¡Aquí para ayudar! Revisión del proceso de solicitud de fondos de subvención.
Monday, July 13 6pm – 7pm
Register Online
Oregon Employment Department
My office continues to receive numerous requests for assistance with employment claims. OED continues to struggle assisting Oregonians – they are making some headway, but it is hard for those continuing to wait for assistance. Last week they hosted a webinar which is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laCpSNhRTe8&feature=youtu.be
PUA claims are an ongoing challenge. It is estimated that there are 92.000 – 100,000 claims that have been filed. Of that number approximately 30,000 have been processed since the department switched its priority to this backlog. They are currently able to process 5,000 claims a week and PUA will remain the focus.
My staff and I are here to assist you. If you reside in HD19 and need help please send an email to Rep.RaquelMooreGreen@Oregonlegislature.gov . I also want to express my gratitude to those who are working at the agency, we all have multiple layers of stress that have been exasperated by this COVID19 pandemic.
COVID-19
Oregon continues to see a rise in COVID19 cases however our overall hospitalization rate in Marion and Polk County has remained stable. One of the Governor’s requirements during Phase 2 of reopening is successful contact tracing. Marion and Polk County are working diligently to fulfill this requirement. Below is an explanation of why contact tracing is important.
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,
 Raquel Moore-Green
Representative House District 19 South Same, 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
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