UPDATE ON IN-PERSON EDUCATION
FROM GOVERNOR BROWN
SCHOOL CHOICE: #parentchoice
Now more than ever, parents are reaching out to me extremely concerned that the State has declared they know better than parents when it comes to educating their children. I disagree. Every child and family have unique circumstances and needs, and parents should have the choice as to where and how they believe their children should receive an education.
If you agree, click this link to see those on the Education Committee, where you can click on names and email them your thoughts on the matter. You can email the Chair and Vice-Chairs, requesting these bills receive a hearing.
To read more about the bills offering more #parentchoice:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/.../Overview/HB2023
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/.../Overview/HB2347
The following bill restricts parent’s ability to make decisions best for their children:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/.../Overview/HB2195
Summary: Prohibits student from enrolling in virtual public charter school located in school district in which student is not resident if student's resident school district or education service district offers appropriate online instruction.
Representative Wilde is the sole legislator on this bill.
FROM LINN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES:
Vaccine shipments from the CDC have been delayed by severe inclement weather across the nation. As a result, we will be rescheduling all individuals that have an appointment on February 18th between 1:30 and 6:00 pm as well as those with appointments on February 19th between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. We deeply apologize for this inconvenience.
You do not need to contact us to reschedule your appointment, you will be receiving an updated confirmation via e-mail or a phone. If you do not receive an e-mail or phone call by the end of the day on Thursday, February 18th, please email SMGCOVIDVaccine@samhealth.org and include the following information: your full name, phone number and email address. We will follow up via email to help reschedule your appointment. If you do not have access to e-mail, please contact the Samaritan Health Services COVID Vaccine Scheduling line at 855-441-2311.
Click here for more information
PSA - Please do NOT put generators or propane heaters in your house.
The ER’s are getting people coming in with carbon monoxide issues with all family members coming in for treatment. Some are very sick. Please click here for more information from OHA.
FROM THE CITY OF ALBANY
District 15 Residents:
City crews are continuing to clean up fallen tree debris from this weekend’s weather. There is a lot of damage around town, and we are prioritizing clean-up efforts based on safety and the potential for additional damage.
Our priorities in removing debris from the public right-of-way are:
- Life safety
- Debris impeding traffic
- Eliminating hazards that may cause additional damage
- General cleanup
If the debris is in the right-of-way, including sidewalks, planter strips, or the roadway, contact Public Works at 541-917-7600.
You are responsible for debris on your private property. If the debris is safe to remove, please dispose of smaller debris in your Republic Services yard debris cart. For larger branches that you are able to safely transport, Parks & Recreation has established a community tree debris disposal pile in the main parking lot at Timber-Linn Memorial Park.
If a tree on your property is damaged, needs to be removed, and would normally require a tree removal permit, you can remove it if it is safe to do so. You will need to contact Rick Barnett at 541-917-7763 or rick.barnett@cityofalbany.net to notify the City of the removal and arrange for future completion of the permit.
FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture Producers: Do you have ice storm damage? See information from ODA.
The USDA Farm Service Agency has a Tree Assistance Program for producers, such as hazelnuts, that have been affected by the recent ice storm. Before starting clean up, learn more, here: https://oda.fyi/FSATreeAssistance and contact your local FSA county office right away.
Marion/Polk Counties
650 Hawthorne Ave SE, Ste 130, Salem, OR 97301
Ph: (503) 399-5741 x 2
Washington/Clatsop/Columbia/Tillamook Counties
1080 SW Baseline, Ste B-3, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Ph: (503) 648-3174 x 2
Yamhill and Clackamas/Multnomah Counties
2200 SW 2nd ST, McMinnville OR 97128
503-472-1474 x 2
FROM ODOT:
Beginning late last week, through the weekend, our crews are on the ground managing the road conditions/closures and responding to the weather event. As of now, we have all interstates open and most of the secondary roads open as well. We were flexible enough to shift some crews around as needed and were ultimately able to avoid major disruptions in the metro area.
The largest challenge is power outages and downed trees; power outages affect traffic signals, messaging signs on the roadway, ramp metering, etc. and because the outages are so widespread, backup power is also overstretched.
Tripcheck.com is the best source of up-to-the-minute road open/close status.
As power restoration is the critical path it may take a bit longer for everything to go “back to normal” but again, all roads in the valley are open, passable, and safe for travel right now.
In addition to the weather in the valley, we also had a significant snowstorm in the northeastern part of the state and our crews were hard at work clearing the roads for travelers.
We can’t overstate the magnitude of this weather event (at least compared with a “normal” weather event for the valley) and how important our coordination with local governments and our utility partners has been as we collectively respond.
UPDATE: Meeting that was to be held on Feb. 15, has been rescheduled to Feb. 22.
The House Committee on Wildfire Recovery will be holding Public Hearings, starting next week. People impacted in the Valley Region are invited to testify on Monday, February 22. How to sign up to testify.
FROM OREGONHEALTHCARE.GOV:
Oregonians can get 2021 health insurance until May 15
If you don’t qualify for the Oregon Health Plan and don’t get health insurance through your job, now through Saturday, May 15, is an important time. If you missed open enrollment, this is an excellent time to get health coverage for 2021.
Use the Marketplace’s window shopping feature at OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to find out:
- How can I save money on health insurance?
- What would my health plan cover?
- Once I know what I can afford, what’s next?
OregonHealthCare.gov is the online home of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government. It is the state-level partner of HealthCare.gov, the national website where people enroll in Marketplace plans and access subsidies.
Health insurance sold through the Marketplace is individual and family coverage offered by private companies, such as Bridgespan, Kaiser Permanente, Moda, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence. Not every company is available in every part the state, but at least three insurance companies and at least 15 plan choices are available everywhere in Oregon.
More than 70 percent of Oregonians enrolled through the Marketplace last year qualified for a subsidy. People who received help with the costs of their health insurance paid, on average, $137 per month. An insurance expert can help you, at no cost, apply for the subsidy and enroll in coverage. They are listed at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
For more information, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 855-268-3767 (toll-free).
For Seniors to apply, visit SHIBA.Oregon.gov
The Landlord Compensation Fund Program provides relief to residential landlords who have been unable to collect tenant rent due to tenant financial hardships. Landlords can directly apply for these resources through an online application portal. Landlords whose applications are accepted and awarded will receive 80% of unpaid rent they are owed by qualified tenants from April 2020 through the application period. They will be required to forgive the remaining 20% of unpaid rent.
SHELTER and OTHER ASSISTANCE
211 Info - Shelters and Warming Centers in Linn County: https://www.211info.org/em-shelters#linn
ACCOMMODATIONS - Being charged too much?
The Governor signed an Executive Order declaring an abnormal market disruption due to the winter storms. Oregonians who believe they have been subjected to excessive prices on items like hotel rooms due to demands caused by the storms, call the Department of Justice Consumer Protection hotline at 877-877-9392.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Local food pantries: https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/or-albany
Mid-Willamette Family YMCA board member Stan Boshart (my dad 😊) and I standing on what will become an incredible youth athletics center in our community. On February 17th, the last wall came down at the old Oberto building and we gathered to witness the next phase. Thank you to Chris Reese and team at the YMCA and to the community businesses for their above and beyond support of this endeavor.
My office is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.
Stay tuned and stay involved!
Talk soon,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis
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