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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
From the coronavirus pandemic, to unemployment insurance, to ongoing police reform efforts, there is a great deal of information out there. I know it can be hard to keep track of all these moving pieces, so I compiled a list of the webinars and legislative hearings being held this week. If you have any questions or need help accessing any of the resources included below, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Warmly,
 Andrea Salinas, State Representative
Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
Testing continues to be a top concern, and OHA receives many questions about the current status of COVID-19 testing in Oregon. So, OHA will be hosting a Facebook Live event tomorrow, July 29th, at 1:30pm so that testing experts can answer your questions. There will be simultaneous translation in both Spanish and ASL. To join in English, follow this link. To join in Spanish, follow this link.
 As a reminder, face coverings are now required for all children 5 and up, in all indoor public spaces and outdoors when physical distancing isn’t possible.
To help Oregonians understand the requirements, OHA created a website with the latest information about face coverings and masks, including requirements, FAQs, and tips about how to effectively wear them. Thank you for doing your part to protect your communities, your family, and yourself!
Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)
Rep. Alonso Leon is hosting a conversation with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), students, faculty, and staff tomorrow, July 29th, from 2:00pm-3:30pm. The HECC will provide updates about what students and families can expect this fall and what resources will be available. Following that update, a panel of students and faculty will share their insights and experiences as to how COVID-19 has impacted their lives, work, and education. There will also be time for Q&A.
Please register in advance at this link. After registering, you should receive the Zoom information from Rep. Alonso Leon's office in advance of the event.
Oregon Employment Department (OED)
In my last newsletter, I mentioned that OED hosts Zoom webinars every Thursday afternoon. Last week, one of their experts walked through the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) online form, which you can watch here. The full webinar, including the Q&A portion, is available here. This Thursday, July 30th, at 1:00pm, their program experts will provide additional updates on PUA. Attendees will be able to ask questions through the Zoom chat feature.
Please register in advance through this link. Once registered, you should receive a confirmation email. Please note, there are only 500 spots for this webinar. However, if you are unable to attend, OED will post a recording of the webinar afterward. All past webinars along with additional information and FAQs can be found on OED's Facebook and website.
 As you may know, federal law ended the extra $600 per week (FPUC) unemployment payment this past weekend. For those of you still waiting for your unemployment payments, please note that the $600 payment will be retroactive for all eligible weeks. It is simply unfathomable to me that Congress has not taken action to continue these payments when working people are suffering unbelievable amounts of stress. It is up to Congress to act immediately to provide much needed relief.
With these payments ending, I hear from many of you about the exceptional challenges and impossible decisions you are facing. You share how frustrating it is to pay into the unemployment system for years, and then be unable to access the benefits you deserve in a timely fashion. I also hear you when you say it's beyond frustrating to be directed to 211info.org or told to call 2-1-1 for financial resources after having already spent so much time navigating OED. I hear you, and I share your frustration wholeheartedly. So, if you have issues or questions about your claims or need help accessing resources to help you pay for rent, utility bills, food, and more, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Joint Committee on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform
Since their last committee hearings earlier this month, the Joint Committee on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform worked to develop the various legislative concepts listed below. At 10am on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week, the Committee will meet again to hear public testimony. You can submit testimony to jtpufr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov. The Legislative Policy & Research Office also compiled a one-pager on how to participate in remote hearings and how to submit testimony, which you can read here.
Wednesday, July 29th
LC 742: Relating to the use of tools by law enforcement agencies
LC 743: Relating to police officer uniforms and identification
Thursday, July 30th
LC 744: Relating to police officer misconduct
LC 745: Relating to the use of force by police officers
Friday, July 31st
LC 746: Relating to arbitration awards
LC 748: Relating to records of discipline of police officers
Have you filled out the Census?
This important count helps determine elected representation at all levels and funding for everything from roads to schools. There is still time to fill out your household census, so please take ten minutes and be counted today.
You can complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. More information can also be found at Oregon2020Census.gov or 2020Census.gov.
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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