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Friends and Neighbors,
Here in House District 30, most of our area was impacted by snow and ice on the streets, but many Oregonians across our state had to deal with ice storms that brought major power loss. Thank you to the linesmen/women and line clearance workers that have worked tirelessly to restore power to our state. During this unprecedented ice storm and subsequent power outages, many Oregonians need emergency shelters and supplies. To get access to those and other vital services, contact 211. https://www.211info.org/
Other resources for information to share with friends and family across the state:
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During an Emergency
From the Oregon Health Authority
If you've lost power because of the snow storm, here are some tips on how to safely heat your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Common symptoms include dizziness, weakness, headache and nausea. If you think you may be exposed to carbon monoxide, go outside for fresh air and call the Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 222-1222 or 911:
- Never use a generator inside your home. A generator should only be used outside and at least 25 feet from windows.
- Don't use your oven or stove to heat your home.
- Never use a grill, hibachi or lantern to heat your home, camper or tent
For more information, visit healthoregon.org/emergency.
SNAP Recipients May Request Food Replacement if they are in Areas Affected by Recent Power Outages
 From the Oregon Department of Human Services
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is able to replace food purchased with SNAP benefits if there was a loss of food due to the recent power outages.
Food may be replaced for SNAP recipients who:
- Lost food due to a power outage, home damage or other misfortune
- Make a request to replace the food loss within 10 days of the date the food is destroyed in a household misfortune.
SNAP households that lost or tossed food that was unsafe to eat, can request SNAP replacement benefits - but they need to do so within 10 days of the loss.
For example: If your food was damaged February 13, February 23 would be considered the 10th day.
Replacement benefits are not automatic. The amount of replacement benefits each SNAP household will receive is based on the value of the food that was destroyed.
More information is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Replacement%20-Benefits.aspx.
Read this information in multiple languages by clicking these links: English, Cambodian, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month. It is also Oregon’s birthday. It is coincidental that Oregon’s birthday is during Black History Month because Oregon’s racist past is becoming more clear as we continue to learn. It is important that as Oregonians we acknowledge past mistakes as we look forward toward a better future for all. Jenna Devenberg, PSU HD30 Intern, highlights the work of a lesser known civil rights movement leader, Bayard Rustin.
Bayard Rustin was a Quaker and strongly believed in the importance of peaceful protest and strived to emulate the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi. Like most Quakers, Bayard was a devout pacifist. He spent 2 years incarcerated at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary for refusing to register for the draft, citing his Quaker beliefs. After his release, Bayard Rustin moved to California where he worked to protect Japanese Americans who were being put into interment camps. In 1942, he was arrested again, this time for refusing to sit in the back of the bus on a trip from Louisville to Nashville. Bayard was inspired to make this stand when he was walking past a white child who reached out to play with his tie and was scolded for touching a black man by his mother. Bayard felt he had an obligation not just to himself, but to this child, to show that black people did not want to sit in the back of the bus. He allowed himself to be arrested for sitting in the second row to teach that child, and all the other white people on the bus, that he and other African Americans were not okay with segregation. The police arrested him, beat him, and then released him with no charges. This incident inspired Bayard Rustin to come out as gay, saying, “It occurred to me shortly after that that it was an absolute necessity for me to declare homosexuality, because if I didn't I was a part of the prejudice. I was aiding and abetting the prejudice that was a part of the effort to destroy me.”
Bayard Rustin would go on to organize, and be arrested for, Freedom Rides where he and other protestors refused to abide by South Carolina’s Jim Crow laws after the Supreme Court had ruled such segregation unconstitutional and would serve 22 days on a chain gang. Rustin was forced to serve 60 days in jail in California due to his relationship with a man in 1953, as this was still illegal in California. Bayard Rustin became one of the most respected American pacifist writers. He served as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and worked with King to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Bayard Rustin fought tirelessly, often in the background, for civil rights, for both minorities and the LGBT+ community. Only recently, as our society has destigmatized being gay, has Bayard Rustin’s name taken its place next to the other great names of the civil rights movement.
Along with Bayard Rustin's story, there is a wealth of resources and information on Black History Month to share with you. Our Chief Clerk's office in the Oregon Legislature has shared a history of Oregon's Exclusion Law. Click on their graphic below to read more. You can also follow them on Facebook for more interesting and informative stories of Oregon’s past.
 City of Hillsboro and Washington County Celebrate Black History Month
From the City of Hillsboro
Let’s celebrate Black History Month together!
The City of Hillsboro joins Washington County to present this virtual event to celebrate the diversity, strength, and contemporary stories of Black Oregonians. Stay a while, find something new, and share this webpage with others you know.
February is federally observed as African American History Month. Visit the federal African American History Month website for exhibits and collections, teacher resources, events, and more.
Visit the City of Hillsboro here for more information and resources.
Celebrating Black History Month
One of my incredibly talented former interns, Jessica Turner, made the below video for House District 30 a couple of years ago. With her permission, I am resharing this fantastic video celebrating Black History Month.
 Senate Joint Resolution 10 – Banning Slavery in all Circumstances
One of the bills I am a Co-Sponsor of this session is SJR 10. I am proud to join Senator Manning Jr. and other colleagues in support of this legislation.
Slavery and involuntary servitude have been banned by the Oregon constitution since 1857. At least, they have been mostly banned. Our constitution makes an allowance that slavery may be used as punishment for a crime. Senate Joint Resolution 10 looks to correct that. I believe slavery and involuntary servitude are never morally acceptable so I am proud to sponsor SJR 10. This resolution, if passed by the legislature and approved by the voters of Oregon, would make a simple change to one line of the state’s constitution. Currently our constitution reads, “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the State, otherwise than as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” SJR 10 would change this to simply say, “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state.” This is a simple change but it sends a strong message that not only is Oregon not racist, but we are actively anti-racist and looking to correct and address the short comings of our past.
BIPOC Caucus 2021 Legislative Agenda
Oregon's Legislative Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus has released their legislative agenda for the 2021 session. Read more about the work they are doing "To advance racial equity initiatives and eliminate systemic oppression and racism in Oregon," by reading the agenda here. I am proud of the BIPOC Caucus and all they are working on to make Oregon a better place where all people can thrive and support one another.
Other Bills of Interest
HB 2329: Directs Secretary of State to create public process to develop state song to replace "Oregon, My Oregon" as state song. Requires secretary to design process to ensure broad public participation from Oregonians of all backgrounds, races and ethnicities and to ensure access to resources to assess historical accuracy of proposed song lyrics.
HCR 11: Modifies lyrics to state song "Oregon, My Oregon" to reflect cultural, historical, economic and societal evolution of State of Oregon.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
People 75 and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
From the Oregon Health Authority
Adults who are eligible can use the following resources to get linked to vaccine information in their communities. Tools that allow scheduling will be available with new appointment slots at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays:
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Get Vaccinated Oregon: Find answers to basic questions to learn if you are eligible and get linked to information about vaccinations in your county. You can also sign up for alerts to get notified about upcoming vaccination events or find out when you may become eligible. Find this tool at covidvaccine.oregon.gov or getvaccinated.oregon.gov.
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Vaccine Information chat bot on the covidvaccine.oregon.gov website is available to find out if you’re eligible for a vaccine in Oregon or to get answers to other questions about vaccines. If you live in Clackamas, Columbia, Marion, Multnomah or Washington counties you can schedule vaccine appointments by using the Vaccine Information chat bot. The friendly Vaccine Information chat bot tool is an orange box that appears when you open the covidvaccine.oregon.gov website.
211: Text ORCOVID to 898211 to get text/SMS updates about vaccination clinics in English or Spanish or email ORCOVID@211info.org. If you can’t get your COVID-19 vaccine question answered on the website, by text or by email, you can call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including holidays. Please be aware that wait times may be long due to high call volumes.
OHSU also has an appointment scheduler available on their website for vaccine sites across the Metro area. Visit here to check eligibility and schedule an appointment.
Washington County Updates
Mental Health Response
From Washington County Sheriff's Office
It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from mental illness or in an emotional crisis to have contact with law enforcement. In partnership with Washington County Mental Health, the Sheriff's Office provides mental health services that begin on patrol, continue in the jail, and are available to individuals when they reenter the community. Visit here for more information.
 Sports Guidance Updates
Governor Kate Brown Announces Updates to Outdoor Sports Guidance, College Exemption
Resumption of outdoor contact school sports, with protocols in place, to be allowed in schools that have returned to classrooms for at least limited in-person instruction. Governor issues challenge to parents and coaches: “If our school gyms, fields, and weight rooms are to reopen, we owe it to Oregon’s children to make sure our classrooms, libraries, and science labs fully reopen as well.”
Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced that the Oregon Health Authority will be revising its guidance for outdoor sports, as well as the exemption for college athletics.
“This has been a difficult year for Oregon’s youth athletes and, as our COVID-19 numbers have dropped, I have been committed to working with our health experts to reevaluate our protocols for sports,” said Governor Brown. “School sports play an important role in fostering students’ mental, emotional, and physical health. We will proceed with caution, to ensure that teams are following health and safety precautions to protect our athletes, their families, and their communities.”
Beginning this week, outdoor contact sports will be permitted to resume with health and safety protocols in place based on county risk level . In Lower Risk and Moderate Risk counties, practices and games for outdoor contact sports, including high school football, can resume following health and safety guidance to be issued by the Oregon Health Authority.
In High Risk and Extreme Risk counties, where COVID-19 remains more widespread, schools and other sports organizations can opt-in to resuming outdoor contact sports with additional protocols in place. In such counties, sports organizations must offer on-site responsive testing for symptomatic individuals and close contacts, contact information for contact tracing, and a waiver identifying health and safety risks and a commitment to isolation and quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.
Schools in Extreme and High Risk counties wishing to opt in for outdoor contact sports must meet the requirements for sports organizations above, and must also have at least limited in-person instruction occurring, with the goal of achieving hybrid or full in-person instruction for students this school year. Schools must also be in compliance with state guidance for COVID-19 testing. All Oregon counties currently meet the COVID-19 case count advisory metrics for limited in-person instruction. As of February 12, 11 Oregon counties in High Risk, including Portland metro-area counties, will also meet the advisory metrics threshold, under 200 cases per 100,000, to return to at least hybrid in-person instruction.
Current Abbott BinaxNOW rapid testing resources for schools can be used for on-site testing of symptomatic student athletes. Schools and sports organizations will also be encouraged to explore partnerships with the university system for student athlete testing.
Those schools and sports organizations in High and Extreme Risk counties that do not opt in and implement the protocols and requirements above will continue to be limited to non-contact sports, practices and games. Indoor contact sports continue to be prohibited in all counties, due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Read the full press release here.
Community Outreach
Hillsboro Hops Updates
 The Hillsboro Hops have signed a 10-Year agreement with Major League Baseball that solidifies their promotion the Single-A-Advanced affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the promotion comes a group of players who are likely to stay in Hillsboro longer (often 2 years) and are twice as likely to reach the majors leagues. It also means participation in the new “High A West” league and expands The Hops from 76 games to 132 games per year. "When you go from 38 home games to 66, it changes the game dramatically, "said team president KL Wombacher. "Sponsorships become way more valuable, and the economic impact in the community — hotel rooms, restaurants — practically doubles."
Since arriving in Hillsboro in 2013 The Hops have won three championships in The Northwest League, including the final season of the league in 2019. Over that span The Hops had the highest game winning percentage of any professional baseball team. The 2021 schedule is still being constructed and will likely be impacted by the continuing COVID-19 crisis. Your House District 30 team are BIG hometown Hops fans! We look forward to seeing you back at Ron Tonkin Field this summer!
Hillsboro Schools Foundation Annual Gala & Auction
Don't miss it! It's the best virtual auction & gala HSF has ever had! Join us for our Baubles, Bowties and Boxers Virtual Celebration!! The Silent Auction opened on Monday 2/15 and closes at 7:15pm during the virtual event on 2/19. Register early so you will be ready and receive important updates about the auction, bidding, items and timeline.
The main show is 7 - 8pm on 2/19. You will hear about GOOD things happening with HSF and with the School District. To register for bidding and receive important announcements about the auction: https://hsfgala2021.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse. I will once again be the emcee for this fabulous event and urge you to attend! I have started my own personal bidding on items already! It’s for the kids! 😉
 House District 30 Virtual Office Hours
This Friday, Feb. 19, from 11:00am-12:00pm, I will be holding HD 30 Virtual Office Hours. This is an opportunity for fellow House District 30 constituents to join me and my staff and stop by to ask a question or share a thought. Stay as long, or as little, as you like. We will hold office hours every Friday from 11:00-12:00 to meet with you virtually by Zoom. Use the link below to join.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Virtual Community Conversation
Join me Saturday, 2/27, from 9:30-10:30 am for my 73rd Community Conversation. Come join the conversation and share your thoughts or bring your questions. Sign up below for the link.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
 Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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