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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Today at 5 PM, I will be joining my colleagues Senator Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and Senator Lew Frederick (D-NE Portland) on Florence, OR's KXCR 90.7 fm. You can also listen in online through the KXCR website or Facebook live.
We will discuss timely and important updates on new statewide health and safety measures to address the pandemic, including new requirements for face coverings and businesses.
In response to the escalating actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other unidentified agents in Portland, I joined many of my colleagues in the Oregon Legislature to send a letter to the US Attorney General, William Barr, demanding that federal personnel be removed from the streets of Portland. We are deeply disappointed and appalled by the recent actions of the federal government, which has consistently ignored state authority and the constitutional protections of civilians. As I have said before, we did not and do not ask for the presence of federal officers in Portland. Many others have joined in the call to withdraw federal personnel. The federal presence is escalating a tense situation. Federal entities should not be allowed to act with impunity - we expect accountability for any unlawful actions these agents have committed.
Congressman Blumenauer and Congresswoman Bonamici have joined several other lawmakers in calling for the immediate resignation of Chad Wolf, acting secretary for the DHS. The letter states that Wolf has abused his powers and incited violence against Portland protestors. This action by members of our Congressional delegation is in addition to lawsuits brought by the ACLU, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and other entities.
It's time for these untrained federal forces to go home. They are impeding the critical right to protest and distracting the focus from much-needed systemic reforms.
On July 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) announced new rules of online enrollment for international students at U.S. universities for the fall, stating that if colleges and universities go fully online this fall, international students would face deportation. After eight federal lawsuits were filed and universities from across the U.S opposed the rule, the Trump Administration has rescinded their decision to impose such a policy.
One of my interns during the 2020 legislative session, Mamadou Fall, was interviewed by KGW 8 about how stressful this ICE announcement was, and how it makes him question the future of his studies in the U.S. Mamadou is an outstanding student at PSU and a true global citizen - he speaks six languages and hopes to one day work in the international humanitarian aid sector. Policies that threaten the future of students like Mamadou are not only cruel - they deny us opportunities to build a more harmonious global community and put real lives in flux and in fear. For now, I'm glad that Mamadou can continue studying in Oregon, but we must remain vigilant in order to protect students' academic options.
 Click the image to watch Mamadou's interview and the whole KGW 8 story.
International students account for a significant percent of total enrollment at the three largest public universities in Oregon: University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. All three universities issued statements in support of their international students before and after the decision was rescinded.
As you may already know, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program which bolstered unemployment benefits with an extra $600 a week will be ending in Oregon this week. If you are still waiting on unemployment payments, they will include that extra $600 for all eligible weeks claimed.
Although members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation spent weeks pushing for an extension of the program, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said that negotiating further benefits could take several more weeks. Unfortunately, this leaves many Oregonians who have depended on these critical dollars with fewer resources in a time when they need it most.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is encouraging Oregonians who need help connecting with aid for rent, utility bills, food, and other expenses to reach out to 211info.org or to call 2-1-1. Even if a new federal stimulus package is announced that provides further assistance to unemployed Oregonians, it will take time before OED is able to implement new rules for distributing federal dollars into their computer systems.
In the meantime, while OED unemployment processes are improving, I know many of you are still waiting on delayed payments or to speak with an OED representative about your claim. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office and we will do our best to assist you.
Mental Health and Domestic Violence Resources:
The state of the world can pose mental health challenges and it’s harder to reach out to our support systems. If you're struggling to cope in these stressful times, consider reaching out to one of these resources:
- To reach the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- If you or a loved one is in crisis, dial Call 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to this link.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.
- You can also visit thehotline.org, but for your safety please be aware that computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear.
- If you are LGBTQ+ identifying and are in crisis, please contact the Trevor Lifeline.
Protest Participation Resources:
- If you have concerns that your civil liberties have been violated in the course of protests in downtown Portland, consider contacting the ACLU of Oregon.
 Mask tutorial from the Golden Archie and feminist instagram.
The current spike in coronavirus cases in Oregon recently led to a tragic record high of 9 deaths in a single day. My heart goes out to the loved ones of these Oregonians. This is a grim reminder that we must continue to follow all physical distancing guidelines and pay close attention to new mask requirements. If we all stay vigilant, we can prevent further infections and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.
Stay safe and look out for one another. We’re all in this together.
Please let me know if you need any assistance in the weeks ahead. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get answers as quickly as possible.
 Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner
Senate District 19
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1719
address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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