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Friends and Neighbors,
Virtual Community Conversation: Sunday, April 18
House District 30 Virtual Office Hours
 COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Oregon Pauses the Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
From the Oregon Health Authority
Out of an abundance of caution, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has asked all of the state’s vaccine providers to immediately pause administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, in accordance with the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this morning.
Six women ages 18 to 48 experienced a rare and severe blood clot known as Cerebral Venous Sinus Thombosis within one to three weeks of getting a Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
This appears to be extremely rare, with just six cases reported out of 6.8 million Johnson & Johnson vaccinations administered. This is the type of rare event that the national Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) can identify so that they can be investigated further.
If you’ve received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, you should know that the symptoms in all these cases appeared within six to 13 days. OHA recommends that anyone who has already been vaccinated should keep an eye out for symptoms 21 days after vaccination.
Symptoms to look for include severe headache, leg pain, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their healthcare provider or seek emergency care.
We continue to believe the existing COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
See the FAQ on the Johnson & Johnson vaccination pause for more information, or you can watch a video in Spanish or English.
From the Oregon Health Authority
On April 6, Governor Kate Brown announced that all Oregonians over the age of 16 could begin getting vaccinated against COVID-19 starting April 19. Individuals meeting these criteria can use the following resources to get linked to vaccine information in their communities:
Where can I find a vaccine?
Access appointments at a drive-through location:
Locate vaccine providers and determine vaccine availability:
Schedule a vaccine appointment with a pharmacy:
Find vaccine events happening in your community:
Why should I create a Get Vaccinated Oregon account?
The Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO) tool will tell you if you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Oregon. If you are not yet eligible, it will enable you to set up text or email notifications to be notified when you become eligible. Once you are eligible, this tool will also help you find a vaccine provider or vaccination event near you. Sign up at Get Vaccinated Oregon today!
If you are unable to use the GVO tool, you can also contact 211 for vaccine registration information. Text ORCOVID to 898211 (English and Spanish only), email ORCOVID@211info.org or call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 (toll-free from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily TTY: call 711 then dial 1-866-698-6155).
Legislative Updates
Bills of Note Passed this Week
These last couple of weeks we have been on the floor for many hours working hard to pass good legislation that will help all Oregonians. I have heard from many of my constituents this session on bills they want to see pass. I was proud to represent House District 30 and my constituents to vote on these bills. Bills I have been working on that passed this week are:
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HB 2498: Provides that registered owner may request that registration card issued for vehicle include that owner, or person operating vehicle, may be deaf or hard of hearing.
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HB 2539: Provides that juror may not be identified by name in court proceeding open to public.
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HB 2542: Requires each public university and community college to prominently display mandatory fees charged.
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HB 2728: Prohibits person from conducting or participating in contest, competition, tournament or derby that has objective of taking coyotes for cash or prizes
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HB 2534: Requires homeowners associations and condominium associations to review governing documents and remove discriminatory language or certify the nonexistence of such language on or before December 31, 2022.
Here are some highlights of other important bills that have recently passed the House.
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HB 3016: Requires hospitals to prioritize nurse safety and staffing needs during national and state emergencies. The bill was sponsored by Rob Nosse (D-Portland) and passed 32-17. See original press release here.
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HB 2006: Helps local communities provide critical assistance to struggling Oregonians experiencing houselessness, streamlining the path for emergency shelters. The bill was sponsored by Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland). See original press release here.
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HB 3178: Provides more support for part-time workers receiving unemployment benefits at a time when they need it most. The bill was sponsored by Paul Holvey (D-Eugene).
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HB 2009: Reestablishes a residential foreclosure moratorium and provides protections for homeowners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was sponsored by Paul Holvey (D-Eugene). See original press release here.
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HB 2341, HB 2607, HB 3218: Led by Reps. Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County) and David Gomberg (D-Central Coast), these bills are part of a series of legislation that will provide economic relief to those most affected by the wildfires and future natural disasters. See original press release here.
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HB 2360: Breaks down barriers to health care for vulnerable and undocumented Oregonians. The bill was sponsored by Rep Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego) and Ricki Ruiz (D- Gresham), and carried on the House Floor by Rep. Wlnsvey Campos (D-Aloha). See original press release here.
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HB 2168: Makes Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved peoples in the U.S., while also celebrating the dignity, freedom and contributions made by Black Americans. The bill was sponsored by Majority Leader Smith Warner. See original press release here.
As of Tuesday evening, the House has voted on 125 bills so far this session.
- 76 have passed unanimously (61%)
- 83 have passed either unanimously or with only 1 no vote (66%)
- Of the 13 bills to pass with 1 no vote, the lone dissenter has been a Republican 9 times and a Democrat 4 times
There are 51 House bills currently on the third reading list. 36 moved out of committee with unanimous support (71%)
American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is anticipated to provide Oregon with $2.6 billion in discretionary federal recovery funds. The co-chairs of Ways and Means released a budget framework for 2021-23 that relies on those funds to protect current state services from reductions and to provide $780 million in new, urgent investments to revitalize Oregon’s economy and provide workers and families the resources they need to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
A title-by-title summary of the ARPA is available here. Governor Kate Brown released a list of principles outlining priorities for the ARPA funds that can be reviewed here. Additionally, while detailed federal guidance has not yet been published, these dollars cannot be used for new tax breaks or to reduce pension obligations.
My office submitted ideas to our Leadership on possible uses for these ARPA funds. Some of these are summarized below:
- Supporting BIPOC Educators: The first 3 years of a teachers' career are difficult and this is a critical time to focus on mentorship and retention. 25% of those that leave in the first three years are BIPOC educators. I submitted two proposals to do with recruitment, retention and support of our BIPOC educators. One focused on recruitment and one on retention and support.
- The City of Hillsboro is in the process of looking to purchase sites/buildings that could be transformed into desperately needed homeless shelter, but costs are a challenging barrier to navigate. Washington County has no permanent shelters. I submitted a request for funding for homeless shelter capital.
- Workforce and Apprenticeship Programs- This is an opportunity to up-skill the thousands of Oregonians who lost work in the service sector and position them for careers in family-wage jobs. The Biden Jobs Plan also calls for massive national investments in workforce programs, so this could be an opportunity to invest early and grow programing with further federal investment.
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Funding for HB 2373, the firefighter apprenticeship program. We have a need in Oregon for a viable pathway to a career in firefighting through an apprenticeship program. Currently, the fire service recruitment model is to volunteer while in school. This can effectively drive potential candidates (especially those already supporting a family) to other paid trades or out of public service all together. The apprenticeship model recognizes and rewards on-the-job training with an introductory wage and benefits. It also allows for the fire service to diversify the workforce and recruit potential non-traditional job seekers and will create a real win for our rural areas by providing opportunity. We want to have people that live in the community be able to work in their community.
**You can weigh in and submit testimony on the American Rescue Plan Act and how these dollars can be invested. Tonight is the Public Hearing for District 1 (see below to sign up to testify or submit written testimony).
2021 Oregon Budget Virtual Hearings-District 1 Hearing Tonight
This month, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will host the 2021 Oregon Budget Virtual Hearings to receive public feedback on how the Legislature should balance the state budget and use federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, these hearings will be conducted virtually and organized by congressional district. Members of the public will be able to submit written testimony, as well as provide live testimony by phone or video during the hearings. Meeting details will be posted on the Oregon Legislative Information Site.
The co-chairs of the committee released their 2021-23 Budget Framework in March. The document serves as a starting point for the 2021-23 budget cycle.
The date and time for District 1, which contains all of House District 30, is Tonight, Wednesday April 14th, 5:30-7:30 PM. Oregonians can find their congressional district here.
Written Testimony:
Testimony will be accepted up to 24 hours after the start time of the public hearing. Testimony is uploaded to OLIS as part of the legislative record and made publicly available. To submit testimony electronically, go to: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Testimony/JWM
To submit testimony by mail, send to:
Ways and Means, 900 State Street NE, Room H-178, Salem, OR 97301
Oral Testimony (Live Remotely)
Registration is required to testify by phone or video link. Registration closes at the time the meeting is scheduled to begin.
To register electronically, go to:
District 1: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gEVis1CKyJQFgi
District 2: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9AHDgxQGeJVmkoC
District 3: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4PGQ17iFvpyxnPo
District 4: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EJCb3HDLD9DYi2
District 5: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJT6e1ZhpsjQyrA
If you need assistance with electronic registration, call: 1-833-698-1371
 Education Updates
WIG: Connectivity, Cybersecurity and COVID-19 in K-12 Education
The national non-profit group Women in Government recently brought together a panel to discuss Connectivity, Cybersecurity and COVID-19 in K-12 Education. The featured speaker was FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, only the second woman to ever serve in the position. You can watch the entire event at this link.
Broadband is no longer something that’s “nice to have” – it is essential for success. A Consortium for School Networking report showed that 85% of the network traffic related to asynchronous learning is video. When two or more students engage with each other and educators many home networks become bogged down. When you include the potential of parents working from home and the system can reach critical mass.
Too many students in the United States and in Oregon do not have access to broadband services, creating what’s now being called “the homework gap.” A school district can provide access to a device and connectivity while the student is in school but cannot assume there will be a fast internet connection when that student returns home. The recently passed American Recue Plan Act (ARPA) has allocated $7.1 billion nationwide to help schools and students get connected. The FCC is the agency tasked with taking the lead through the well-established E-Rate program and is now evaluating public comments and expert advice.
I look forward to working with our national partners to bring the availability of high-speed internet connections to our rural Oregon communities. I look forward to a day when someone can live in Coos Bay and work at Intel in Hillsboro.
Community Outreach
The United States Against Plastic Rally
Join me, this Friday, at 10:00am, for a national stand against plastics rally. I will be speaking at the event and look forward to seeing you there. Register here or by clicking the flyer below.
Firefighter Informational Meeting with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
From TVF&R
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is preparing to begin selection and hiring processes in the coming months for entry-level firefighters. TVF&R is hosting a Facebook/Zoom live informational meeting on Thursday, April 15, at 6 p.m. that will provide insight on what it takes to become a firefighter. Those interested in participating in the live Zoom are encouraged to sign up online at https://www.tvfr.com/412/Steps-to-Prepare, and you will receive a link to attend. You can also watch the discussion and hear from TVF&R firefighters by viewing the Facebook live broadcast. The fire service could be the ideal career choice for those interested in helping others, being part of a dynamic team, and serving a diverse community. There’s never been a better time to consider a career in the fire service. Join us on April 15 to learn more!
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Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
 A beautiful walk around the Oregon Capitol grounds
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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