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Dear friends,
It's hard to believe September has already arrived! While 2020 is marked by a global health pandemic, a national racial justice movement and now wildfires throughout the West, it's heartening to see communities come together to protect and uplift one another. These are tough times for many and I'm proud that we as Oregonians are willing to step forward to help each other.
With Labor Day upon us, I can't stress enough the importance of staying vigilant, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday weekend. Oregon is seeing indicators that these measures are working: Case counts have plateaued, though our state still experiences deaths and hundreds of new daily cases daily. We cannot let our guard down at this important juncture, as this article lays out.
In addition, just as we take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19, it's vitally important that we exercise extreme caution when using open flames outdoors. There are numerous large wildfires burning across Oregon and our region, leading to hazy skies. Poor air quality has been shown to compound respiratory threats.
I know many of us were taken aback by the death of an individual involved in the protests and unrest occurring in Portland. No matter where each of us stand on the underlying issues, we cannot allow violence to be interjected into these protests. Every one of us has a constitutional right to assemble for the purpose of protesting and seeking redress from our government, but that right does not include the use of violence against others or destruction of property.
I'm calling on all of us to respect each other's right to peacefully assemble and to protest government actions or inactions without interjecting violence. Those who rely on violence to get their point across are wrong and must be held accountable for their actions through our judicial process. As a society, we cannot condone violence at protests, no matter what our position maybe on the issues.
The Legislature is scheduled to hold its next set of legislative days during the week of September 21. Committees will meet virtually for informational hearings and to preview legislation for the 2021 regular session. Agendas will be posted and links to live streams available on the Legislature's website. The Senate will meet in person to consider confirmations of the Governor's appointments to various boards and commissions. As with this summer's special sessions, strict social distancing and face covering rules will be followed when the Senate convenes.
Below you will find information on:
- Governor Extends Foreclosure Moratorium Until December 31
- Oregon Approved for $300 Weekly Boost to Unemployment Benefits
- Primary Resource Links
I hope this information is helpful and informative for you or someone you know. As always, feel free to share your comments, questions or concerns with me by phone, mail or e-mail.
Governor Extends Foreclosure Moratorium Until December 31
Governor Brown has extended protections from foreclosure for Oregon homeowners and business owners through executive action, until December 31. Executive Order 20-37 will extend House Bill 4204's current moratorium on foreclosures.
While EO 20-37 will provide homeowners and business owners certainty through the end of the year, it is not a long-term solution. The Governor's Office will be working with landlords, lenders, and other stakeholders in the coming weeks to craft a solution for the Legislature to consider. The Governor is also continuing to have conversations with community leaders and stakeholders to look at options surrounding a moratorium for evictions for renters, which expires September 30.
The Legislature's Emergency Board allocated $55 million for rent assistance through December, and $20 million for affordable housing operating support for Oregon's Department of Housing & Community Services. In April, the Emergency Board also allocated $12 million in emergency funding for safe shelter and rental assistance.
Oregon Approved for $300 Weekly Boost to Unemployment Benefits
Oregon was approved by FEMA last Friday to receive funding that will allow it to pay a $300 weekly boost in unemployment benefits dating to the beginning of August. Funds through the program will be added to approved unemployment claims retroactively for at least the three weeks of July 26 through August 15, though they could last up to five weeks depending on the amount of funds that remain.
In an update to legislators prior to Oregon's approval for the $300 weekly boost, Employment Department Director (OED) David Gerstenfeld advised that not everyone receiving benefits would be eligible for the additional weekly payment. Establishing the new program and getting the benefits paid will mean diverting staff from work they are currently doing, and still need to do, to get claimants their benefits. Director Gerstenfeld said OED didn't yet know how quickly the department would will be able to get payments to people, but are working hard to make those payments as soon as possible. Please be assured that I and my legislative colleagues will be paying close attention to OED and continuing to advocate on behalf of our constituents.
Primary Resource Links
Here's a list of government resources that you may find useful:
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