Updates from Representative Boomer Wright

Representative Boomer Wright

Welcome, Everyone!

I hope you all are having a blessed week and 2021 so far. The following newsletter includes a legislation spotlight, an update on COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout, the Landlord Compensation Fund, and my thoughts on Oregon's slow shift to in-person instruction. I hope this information is found useful. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (503) 986-1409 or at Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov

Representative Wright

Legislation Spotlight

A few weeks ago, I introduced HB 3099 to the Legislature. The bill would direct the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) to administer grants to entities to provide transportation for veterans in rural areas so they can better access essential services.

Around the same time I introduced my bill, Governor Brown requested that an almost identical bill be introduced, HB 2139. This bill will be moving forward in the House Veterans and Emergency Management Committee, which I sit on, instead of HB 3099. I will be speaking on the House Floor in favor of HB 2139 when it comes up for a vote.

Regardless of who introduces the legislation, it is important that our rural veterans receive greater accessibility to physical, mental, and behavioral health services that they rightfully deserve. I am going to continue to work hard to move this bill forward through the process until it is passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. 

HB 2139

Citizen Engagement

To keep up to date on the bills I am working on this session, and to learn more about agendas, bills, committees, and measure history, explore the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) by clicking here or on the photo.

OLIS

Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)


COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

People 65 and older eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine

As of Monday of this week, people who are 65 years of age and older can begin getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Adults meeting these criteria can use the following resources to get linked to vaccine information in their communities:

  • Get Vaccinated Oregon: A new tool that answers basic questions about vaccine eligibility and provides information about vaccinations in your county.
  • 211: Text ORCOVID to 898211 (English and Spanish only) or email ORCOVID@211info.org for vaccine registration information. Alternatively, you can call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily).
  • Licensed senior facilities: Residents and staff at most licensed facilities for older adults and people with disabilities are receiving on-site vaccinations through pharmacies enrolled in federal vaccination programs.
  • The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program: Eligible Oregonians can begin making vaccination appointments directly at the following retailers’ websites:
Vaccine Update

Landlord Compensation Fund

Established during the last special session of 2020, the Landlord Compensation Fund program provides relief to residential landlords who have been unable to collect tenant rent due to tenant hardships. Landlords whose applications are selected for funding will receive 80% of unpaid rent they are owed by current qualified tenants (from April 2020 on) and the remaining 20% of unpaid rent is forgiven.

The February application will be open until March 2nd and cover rent debt accrued from April 2020 – February 2021. This round of application includes $50M of the total $150M available for this program. 

To fill out the application, click here

LCF Flow Chart

Landlord Compensation Fund Flow Chart


Returning to In-Person Instruction

Governor Brown Statement

 

Only 20% of students (116,749) are (partially) back in school, which also means about 80% of students statewide are still fully distance learning. As a former educator, it saddens me to see the goalposts moved for Oregon students yet again. The previous goal was a return to school in February. Now it's the end of April. This, after Governor Brown said she is "absolutely committed to using every tool that we have in the toolbox to get our students back into the classroom safely."

Unfortunately, local school districts are finding it difficult to move forward with reopening because they don't have the support they need from the state. Governor Brown should be leading by allowing teachers and students who want to continue remote learning to do so, but simultaneously removing barriers for those ready to resume in-person instruction.

I'm afraid a return to in-person instruction in the 2021-2022 school year is going to be too late for Oregon students and their families. They deserve better.

Read more here.

In-Person Instruction

Podcast with Rep. Daniel Bonham

Podcast Episode

 

Check out a podcast episode I recorded with my friend a colleague, Representative Daniel Bonham here. We talked about my journey to the Oregon Legislature, various issues I am focused on concerning House District 9, and some fun facts you may not already know about me.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed recording it!


Where to Find Me

Capitol Phone: (503) 986-1409

Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-476, Salem, OR 97301

Email: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov

Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wright

Facebook: Boomer Wright


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We live in one of the most beautiful places in America, The Beautiful Oregon Coast. We are phenomenally blessed with all we have been given!