Hello Neighbors,
The May 2021 "Economic Forecast" has been released, and it appears that Oregon is coming out of the COVID-19 Recession a little better, more robust than we anticipated. It is important to remember this is still a forecast, meaning we must recognize that our recovery is a dependent variable (upon continuing good news and stability in the supply chain). Still, we have a reason to be cautiously optimistic. Soon enough, we will be putting the finishing touches on agency budgets, moving forward priority legislation requiring investments, and closing out the 2021 Legislative Session. We have about four weeks remaining, and the roller coaster is accelerating by the hour.
So far, the Legislature has delivered on promises made. Despite the challenges, we have passed important legislation stabilizing housing for working families, passed a bipartisan package of legislation improving police accountability, training, and transparency, and a series of bills focused on specific lessons learned over the past sixteen months of COVID-19. In the coming weeks, we will advance significant investments in K-12 education, health care, housing, and human services to meet the needs of our transition back into an improving economy. Also, we have identified the need for investments in programs for small business and innovation linked to emergent post-COVID-19 realities, funds for the restoration of the homes and structures lost in the 2020 Wildfires, and strategic disaster preparedness programming.
This Legislative Session has been the most challenging of my lifetime, but it is yielding many positive outcomes. After the session, I will highlight the good, the bad, and the ugly of the policies, programs, and projects important for our House District 20. Right now, I am still working hard to make sure our district priorities get past the finish line. Things are looking good, but I learned long ago to wait until the race is over before counting upon the results. Together we continue to make Oregon a safer place to live and work. It will take all of us pulling in the same direction, and I believe we are making good policies that will move us all forward.
2021 Session Committee Assignments:
House Committee on Business and Labor
House Committee on Veterans and Emergency Management - Chair
House Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery
Joint Committee on Transportation
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development
After working on a civics proficiency requirement for high school graduation for years, today, Senate Bill 513 passed the Oregon House Floor unanimously. This bill requires that Oregon high school students receive at least one half-credit in civics education before their high school graduation.
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On Wednesday, May 19th, the last Revenue Forecast of the Legislative Session was released. You can find the forecast here. The forecast shows an economic turnout best described by some of my colleagues as "stunning." It shows a significant increase in tax revenue driven mainly by surging income tax collections and a recovering economy. This revenue forecast is welcome news after 14 months of uncertainty. A year ago, the world seemed to be on the edge of economic collapse. However, historical federal investments and some smart, targeted decisions in the face of numerous disasters have created a robust recovery. While Oregon's economy is experiencing its strongest growth in a generation, we must remember that we still have a lot of work to do. Too many Oregonians are struggling to pay their bills and support their families. The legislature must take this opportunity to fund programs that support our working families, veterans, essential workers, seniors, and our emergency personnel - at the same time, maintaining a healthy reserve for future downturns.
After the last 14 months of disasters and uncertainty disrupting our young peoples' educational development, it is more important than ever to ensure our schools have the financial resources to meet the needs of our students, families, and teachers. Last week Democratic Leaders in the Legislature and Governor Brown agreed to fund K-12 schools to a record $9.3 billion. Although this agreement is $200 million above the Governor's Recommended Budget, it is still over $800 million short of what we need to get to the amount needed according to our Quality Education Model (QEM). As long as I am in the legislature, I will continue to fight to get us as close as possible to QEM number.
As many know, on May 11th, Governor Brown announced a framework for reopening based on county and statewide vaccinations. Most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted statewide when 70% of adults receive their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Counties are eligible to move to Lower Risk status when 65% of county residents 16 years of age and older receive their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine, and the county submits a plan to close vaccine equity gaps. As of today, Benton, Deschutes, Hood River, Lincoln, and Washington counties have vaccinated over 65% and have been moved to the Lower Risk Level. As of today, Polk County's vaccination rate is 60.1% of the eligible populated has received at least their first shot. This means we only need about 3,269 more people to get their first shot to hit that 65%. Marion County is at 54.7% of their eligible population has received their first shot, meaning roughly 28,000 residents in Marion County need to get their first shot to hit 65%. For more information and to look at the specific numbers for each county, click here.
“Take Your Shot, Oregon”
Governor Brown unveiled her “Take Your Shot, Oregon” campaign on May 21,2021, encouraging Oregonians age 12+ to get vaccinated for the chance to win money and education scholarships. This idea was a replication of the Ohio Vax-a-Million campaign implemented by Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine.
• There will be ONE $1 million winner • There will be FIVE $100,000 Oregon College Savings Plan education scholarship winners • There will be THIRTY-SIX $10,000 winners (one in each county)
For more information and a F.A.Q. click here.
The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) is now open and accepting applications to distribute the $204 million in federal funding. This program can help with rent or utilties for low income households (households at 80% of Area Median Income or less, and have experienced a financial hardship). For more information about the OERAP program please visit https://www.oregonrentalassistance.org/ to learn more, review the tenant check list, and apply for assistance online!
On May 6th, 2021, Governor Brown signed House Bill 2137 into law, which gave Oregonians more time to renew their driver's licenses and vehicle registration impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 2137 automatically extends a six-month grace period on expired licenses and registration through December 31st, 2021. Under the new law, effective June 5th
- New Oregon residents will no longer need to pass the Oregon traffic law knowledge test when they exchange their current, valid driver's license from their former state for an Oregon license - including out-of-state licenses that expired less than a year.
- New drivers under 18 will no longer need to pass second knowledge tests.
- Oregon driver licenses will be eligible for renewal for up to two years after expiration without testing if all other eligibility requirements are met.
More DMV Services are being moved online:
You likely can renew your license, permit, or ID card online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. It is important to note that if you would like to change from a regular driver's license or ID card to a REAL ID-compliant credential, you will still need to make an appointment and come into a DMV office. This is also true if you want to add an endorsement to your license.
Real ID Enforcement delayed to 2023 due to COVID-19:
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it had extended the enforcement date for the Real ID Act for domestic air travel to May 2023. This gives everyone an extra year and a half to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight. If you are interested in getting your REAL ID before the May 3rd, 2023 deadline, please think ahead because you will have to visit a DMV for your first REAL ID card. for more information, click here
COVID-19 Resources
Oregon Coronavirus Information and Resources
Rent Relief for Businesses impacted by COVID-19
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates
Federal Government COVID-19 Response
Sen. Jeff Merkley's Comprehensive Coronavirus Response Page
SEIU Worker Resources Page
Family Forward has also compiled a COVID-19 Resource Guide which can be found below: English: COVID-19 Resource Guide - Family Forward Oregon Spanish: Guía de recursos de COVID-19 - Family Forward Oregon
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is important to acknowledge the many challenges our community has faced over the past fourteen months. It is important to remember that no one is alone and there are resources available. Below are some local, state, and national resources available.
Local Resources
National Resources
Best,
Representative Paul Evans House District 20
email: Rep.PaulEvans@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1420 address: 900 Court St NE, H-471, Salem, OR 97301 website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/evans
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