|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday, legislators came together to provide Oregonians crucial support as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of a devastating wildfire season. I'm proud of the work that we accomplished and am looking forward to the start of the 2021 legislative session in January.
Congress has also approved an aid package that now heads to the President's desk to be signed. I am glad that the federal government is finally stepping up to deliver relief Americans desperately need, but I am hopeful we’ll see additional assistance next year. Whether in Washington D.C. or in Salem, we must continue to show up and support Oregonians as we rebuild and recover from this very difficult year.
In the meantime, click the image below to see my statement on the accomplishments of the Third Special Session of 2020 of the Oregon Legislature which convened and adjourned on Monday, December 21.
The first COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in Oregon on December 14. The shipments follow a U.S. Food and Drug Administration decision last Friday to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was found in Phase 3 clinical trials to be 95% effective and, in most people, cause only mild to moderate, short-lived side effects.
To learn more about the vaccine and its distribution, please read this press release from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Additionally, while the delivery of vaccines brings new hope that we will get to the other side of this pandemic, it is crucial that we continue to follow public health guidance until we are all vaccinated.
Keep wearing your masks, washing your hands, and watching your distance, and when it is your turn, get vaccinated. I know I will.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Employment Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) federal benefits program are ending. The last day to file a claim for PUA and PEUC benefits is the week ending December 26, 2020 - don’t forget to file by December 26 if you need to.
Congress's new federal aid package includes an extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits. Until new programs can be put in place, if you need help paying for rent, groceries, child care, or other critical resources you may be eligible for benefits. For more information, call 211 or visit 211info.org.
You may also qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 800-699-9075 for more. Even if you’ve been denied before, apply again.
The State of Oregon has reached an agreement with several health insurance companies to continue providing expanded telehealth options through at least June 30, 2021.
The agreement follows guidance issued by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) and the Oregon Health Authority in late March requiring health insurance plans to provide in-network coverage for multiple telehealth platforms. Read more on the DCBS website here.
This has been a difficult year, and being away from extended family right now makes that even tougher. Still, by making the choice to stay at home and enjoy the virtual company of family and friends, we can make sure that no one is missing when we're able to gather safely next year.
My family and I wish you light and joy in these last two weeks of 2020. Stay safe, be well, and see you in the new year.
As always, please let me know if you need any assistance. My office and I will work to connect you with resources and get your questions answered as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
 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
| 
