FLOOR SESSIONS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID

Floor sessions were cancelled this week until at least Friday after a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Capitol building. Floor voting will be put on pause as we wait for further guidance from the Speaker's office. There is no information available, except that someone was in the Capitol with COVID-19 last week during floor sessions and it was confirmed case Monday. Legislators and staff at the Capitol have followed strict protocol, so we are hoping an isolated case or two will be the outcome. My hope for a speedy recovery for those that were infected by this most recent case. Legislators all have to work and live their lives outside of the building back in their communities, so there is no reason to assume that we would not be at risk like the rest of Oregonians. We can continue to remain vigilant and responsive to the virus, just like we are asking our schools and businesses to do in our communities. 

Federal Relief for Local Needs

Last week, Democrats in the Federal Government passed the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan and it was signed by President Biden. I disagree with how the funds were allocated and how much non-COVID dollars went to pet projects around the country. For Oregon, that means over $4 Billion statewide and for House District 55, over $98 Million distributed to the counties. It’s important to note these are estimated amounts and the official numbers will be provided soon, but they give us a general guideline of what we can anticipate. I encourage each of you to reach out to your county commissioners to learn more about how they will use the funds in your community. 

Counties and local governments will have the authority and responsibility to allocate these funds and they are required to report the use of the funds to the Treasury Department so that there is accountability and transparency in how these dollars are used. The funds can only be used to provide relief specific to COVID-19 impacts, things like: 

• Responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency;
• Providing premium pay to essential workers;
• Offsetting lost revenues to provide essential government services;
• For water, sewer and broadband infrastructure;

Here is a list of estimated distributions in House District 55 by county:

• Crook = $4.73 Million
• Deschutes = $38.34 Million
• Jackson = $42.85 Million
• Klamath = $13.23 Million
• Lake = $1.53 Million

Vaccinations

List of populations currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations:

1. All individuals who match the criteria listed in Phase 1A.
2. All Oregon educators — including public and private K-12 educators and staff, early childhood educators and staff and childcare providers and staff (Phase 1B, Group 1).
3. All individuals who are 75 years of age and older (Phase 1B, Group 2 and 3).
4. All individuals who are 70 years of age and older (Phase 1B, Group 4).
5. All individuals who are 65 years of age and older (Phase 1B, Group 5).
6. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers currently working in the fields (Phase 1B, Group 6)
7. Individuals in Phase 1B, Group 6 residing in eligible counties (Phase 1B, Group 6)

If you are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, refer to the county links HERE to get connected to vaccine information in your community.

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1455
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-395, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.VikkiBreeseIverson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/breese-iverson