|
Friends and neighbors,
This week, we’ve had both sunny weather and happy news: the authorization and rapid production of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine means that we’ll be able to get Oregonians vaccinated more quickly. I know that many of you have experienced difficulties in scheduling a vaccine appointment, but I encourage you to be patient; over the next few months, as the vaccine supply increases, so too will appointment slots. Below, find more information about how to access the vaccine (if you’re eligible), as well as information on my next Virtual Town Hall, details on the proposed OLCC pricing plans and the beer/wine taxes, and guidance on applying for the Commercial Rent Relief program.
Town Hall
I’m looking forward to hosting another Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 25th, from 5:30-6:30 PT. Town Halls are a way for people interested in my work, especially those who live in Senate District 17, to stay connected during these strange times, and to ask questions about what we’re working on in the legislature. Registration is required to attend the Town Hall; you can register here.
Commercial Rent Relief
In January, the Oregon Legislative Emergency Board allocated $100 million to fund a new Commercial Rent Relief Program to provide financial assistance to small businesses and landlords adversely affected by economic conditions as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program targets landlords with tenant businesses with 100 or fewer employees who are behind on lease payments or any forgiven base rent amounts that have been negotiated due to COVID-19. The program will require both business tenant and property owner participation. The program includes additional protections for tenants, such as non-eviction clauses, and a waiver of penalties and interest.
If you think you may be eligible, learn more about the program and apply here.
Landlord Assistance
For residential landlords, the second round of compensation applications opens in April. Learn more about this program here.
Proposed Liquor Pricing & Alcohol Taxes
Our office has been receiving a high volume of correspondence about both the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s proposed floor pricing plan and also HB 3296, a proposed tax increase for manufacturers/importing distributors of wine, beer, and cider. I wanted to provide a bit of background and context for these two concepts, and also reassure you that it is early days for both: we are still in the information gathering stage and both proposals will be thoroughly discussed to ensure clarity for all parties.
The OLCC floor pricing proposal revamps how OLCC charges producers for warehousing liquor products with the intent to promote equity and consistency in this cost factor. This proposal sets a new model for a bottle’s floor price based on both size and alcohol content. According to analysis of the current market, this would only affect a small number (1.6% or ~112) of all liquor products, mainly the most inexpensive and highest proof (alcohol content) products. I know many constituents are concerned about these costs passing on to consumers, and I agree more clarity is desired here to fully understand the impact of this proposal on all Oregonians. Based on recent analyses, the OLCC calculates that this would only lead to an average 3 cent increase per drink in bars and restaurants for drinks made with those products.
Both the OLCC proposal and HB 3296 aim to serve dual purposes: generating revenue and reducing substance abuse. As we consider these ideas, I will be careful to balance the health needs of Oregonians with the economic needs of our spirits industry.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Washington County Resources:
- If you or others you know are eligible to get the vaccine and need help scheduling an appointment due to language access or barriers with technology, you can contact the Washington County Message Center: 1-833-907-3520.
- Washington County community clinics: Watch the vaccine website for specific events.
Multnomah County Resources:
- If you or others you know are eligible to get the vaccine and need help scheduling an appointment due to language access or barriers with technology, you can contact Multnomah County: 503.988.8939 or covidvaccineinfo@multco.us.
211Info:
- Text ORCOVID to 898211 to get text/SMS updates (English and Spanish only) 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. There is an option to get a call back rather than wait on hold (in English and Spanish).
Free interpretation is available for all other languages. TTY: Dial 711 or call 1-866-698-6155. Please note: These are information lines, not vaccine scheduling.
For Vaccination at the Oregon Convention Center:
Sign up at getvaccinated.oregon.gov. You will be sent an invitation when an appointment is available to you. Names are selected at random each week from the eligible pool.
- Only sign up once on the Get Vaccinated Oregon website.
- Once you create an account for yourself, you can add others to your account and monitor their eligibility as well.
- It may take several weeks before you are contacted to schedule an appointment.
Educators, please use the OHA scheduling tool to schedule your appointment at the Convention Center.
OHSU drive-thru clinic at PDX Airport:
These appointments are specifically for seniors with mobility needs, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. If you know you are eligible for this site, you can schedule online (when appointments are available) via OHSU. New appointments are released Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. (subject to change). Please use OHA's eligibility and scheduling tool.
Pharmacies:
Limited vaccination appointments are available for eligible individuals at some local pharmacies.
Pharmacies will screen for eligibility according to state guidelines. They have limited doses and appointments available each week. Go directly to their COVID-19 vaccine websites to make an appointment:
Costco
Fred Meyer
Safeway/Albertsons
Walgreens
Yours truly,
 Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward MD
Senate District 17
email: Sen.ElizabethSteinerHayward@oregonlegislature.gov
phone: 503-986-1717
address: 900 Court St NE, S-215, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/steinerhayward
| 
