Resources for Wildfire and Pandemic Recovery

Senator Wagner
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your families are staying safe and well, and enjoying some fresh fall air now that the smoke has cleared in our area. Many Oregonians continue to face hardship in the aftermath of the wildfires that swept across our state. In this newsletter you will find information about support and recovery programs for Oregonians affected by the wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The release of the September Economic and Revenue Forecast yesterday brought some good news for Oregonians. Economic activity is rebounding and revenue collection was stronger than expected. I am heartened to see signs of Oregon’s economy recovering. While we are still in a recession and face challenging budget cycles ahead, the current forecast gives me hope that we are on the road to recovery. You can learn more about the forecast by watching yesterday's joint meeting of the Senate and House Revenue Committees.


Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Resources

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with FEMA, is sponsoring a series of informational webinars to provide an overview of the disaster recovery process and available resources for the Oregonians impacted by the September 2020 wildfires. The webinars will be hosted by Adobe Connect and you can register here

Disaster Response, Recovery, and Long-Term Recovery Webinars for 2020 Oregon Wildfires

In addition to the information I shared in my September 2nd newsletter, Oregonians affected by the wildfires can use the federal emergency declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to take advantage of an exceptional circumstances special enrollment period (SEP) as FEMA declared the Oregon wildfires a federal emergency on September 15th.

Oregonians will have up to 60 days from the end of the FEMA-designated incident period to select a new health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov or make changes to an existing health insurance plan. Applications are being accepted at HealthCare.gov if you have had a loss in coverage, and at 800-318-2596 (toll-free) for all other circumstances.


Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters in the counties of Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion as a result of wildfires and straight-line winds that began on September 7th. 

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, survivors must first contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at this link. Applicants may receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications here.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.


Free PPE for Small Businesses & Childcare Providers

Governor Brown recently announced a new program to provide masks and gloves to small businesses and childcare providers. The Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board, allocated $10 million from the federal CARES Act funding for the purchase of protective supplies. 

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees that are headquartered in Oregon with principal operations in the state are eligible. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees will receive a box of 200 gloves and 100 masks, with larger businesses receiving up to 500 masks and 800 gloves. For now, businesses are limited to one order, with the possibility of additional orders depending on availability. Businesses and child care providers can access the request form here.

If your business chooses to access this resource, please note there may be a delay in shipment due to wildfires.


West Linn Emergency Business Assistance Grant Program

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The City of West Linn has launched a second round of the Emergency Business Assistance Grant Program. This program provides financial assistance to small businesses adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the pandemic. 

The submission deadline is September 30th at 5:00 PM. West Linn small businesses (fewer than 25 employees), sole proprietors, and businesses owned by members of historically disadvantaged population groups are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit the program website.


Washington County Cooperative Library Services Distance Learning Resources

To support schools, teachers, parents and other caregivers who will be involved with students’ remote schooling this fall, Washington County Cooperative Library Services has created distance learning resources for grades K-12. Resources include live tutoring, homework help, tons of online reference materials, writing assistance and much more.

Washington County Cooperative Library Services Distance Learning Resources

Resources are available in both English and Spanish.  All online resources are free and immediately available to Washington County residents with online registration. Thanks, Washington County libraries!


Fall Flu Shots

During the COVID-19 pandemic, getting a flu shot matters more than ever before. By tending to our regular health care needs, we keep ourselves, loved ones, and the community healthier. Getting the flu shot to ensure you don’t contract or spread the flu also helps prevent unnecessary strain on our health care system. Over 200,000 Americans are hospitalized annually due to the flu.

Now is the best time to get a flu shot, and you can find out where they’re available using the vaccine finder.

Get a flu shot

Updates from the Red Cross

Since the wildfires began in Oregon, the Red Cross has provided people with safe refuge from the wildfires in emergency lodging, served more than 139,000 meals and snacks to those in need, and distributed relief items (comfort, clean up and wildfire kits).

If you are able, please consider donating blood to the Red Cross. More than 115 blood drives have been cancelled in Oregon and Washington, resulting in over 2,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Donors are especially needed right now.

Visit the Red Cross Cascades website to find your nearest donation center.

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Community Spotlight: Luke Marshall

This week, I want to highlight the work that Senate District 19’s own Luke Marshall has been doing with the Cascade AIDS Project (CAP).

Luke has been volunteering by delivering boxes of food to CAP’s clients who are isolated in homes, apartments and hotels because their immune systems are compromised, putting them at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

His service was recently recognized with the Jiffy Lube International Do More Award. He is one of just seven volunteers to receive this recognition.

Congratulations on earning this honor, Luke, and thank you for serving your community! You can read more about Luke in this this article.

Luke Marshall Photo from The Oregonian/OregonLive

Luke Marshall, a volunteer driver at the Cascade AIDS Project. Photo from Oregonian/OregonLive.


Additional Resources

General Resources

How You Can Help


Stay Healthy - Kids

Please let me know if you need any assistance in the weeks and months ahead. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get answers as quickly as possible.

As always, I welcome your comments, concerns and ideas.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

RW Signature

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