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Neighbors & Friends,
We have reached the halfway point of the 81st Legislative Session! Thank you all for sticking with us through this unique and historic session. COVID-19 has impacted so much of our lives. This session has also allowed me to try new ways of communicating with constituents. In this newsletter we will be offering a video update on session. Here is a view from the gallery while I carry one of my bills that you will learn about below.
Updates about COVID-19 and our responses are changing by the day as more and more Oregonians get access to the vaccine. To follow the latest updates, please visit the COVID-19 resources page provided by the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s Office. CLICK HERE
We have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases recently and Washington County is one of several counties that could be moved back into high or extreme risk categories. There is a big difference now though compared to earlier rises in case numbers. We have a vaccine that any Oregonian age 16 or older can sign up for now and get an appointment. Please help us and sign up and get an appointment.
HCR 11 Modifies lyrics to state song "Oregon, My Oregon" to reflect cultural, historical, economic and societal evolution of State of Oregon. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2623 Limits cost-sharing for health benefit plan coverage of insulin prescribed for treatment of diabetes. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2619 Authorizes Health Licensing Office to issue license to practice genetic counseling to qualified applicant. Defines "genetic counseling." Prohibits unlicensed use of "licensed genetic counselor" title and practice of genetic counseling. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 3379 Prohibits manufacturing, retrofitting, selling, leasing, subletting or otherwise placing into stream of commerce any crib bumper pads or crib equipped with crib bumper pads (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2622 Requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to use smoke evacuation system during surgical procedures likely to generate surgical smoke. (Awaiting Third Reading in House)
HB 2168 Establishes Juneteenth as a State Holiday (June 19th) the day when the last enslaved people in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished in the United States in 1865. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2341 provides tax relief for wildfire survivors. This will enable those hurt by natural disasters some timely property tax relief. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2728 Prohibits an individual from participating in a Coyote killing contest. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
HB 2006 Defines what an emergency shelter is and makes it easier for local governments to set up emergency shelters. (Passed House. Now in Senate)
If you are wanting to know how to provide testimony to a legislative committee, please CLICK HERE. For reference assistance, questions about the legislature, legislative process, or other government agencies, please email help.leg@state.or.us, or call 1-800-332-2313. If you are having trouble getting a hold of someone please feel free to contact me in my office and my staff can assist you.
The pandemic has certainly changed our routines and our lives. I have found myself volunteering with the Washington County Medical Reserve Corps. They are a group of healthcare professionals from a diverse set of disciplines. We have been been conducting vaccination clinics with many different partner agencies. It has been incredible to meet so many people wanting to help stop the spread of this pandemic either in the form of getting a vaccination or helping others get a vaccination.
I want to thank all of the Oregonians that have been on the frontlines fighting this pandemic. Especially those that have gone out and have been vaccinated. Being a nurse, I know a lot of people have discomfort with needles. Thank you for being brave. Getting a shot with a needle is much better than ending up in a hospital on a ventilator.
If you are a current healthcare professional or a retired one and would like to volunteer, please click here. This will take you to the Washington County webpage to sign up.
Stay Safe and Stay Engaged,
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, HS-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/schouten
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