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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee on Education, I am very proud of the work we did to get to an agreement with Governor Brown to fund K-12 schools at a record $9.3 billion. I want to take a moment to highlight just how important this achievement is.
Passing this $9.3 billion State School Fund budget will help Oregon’s nearly 200 school districts move forward with plans to support students, families, and teachers after a year in which COVID-19 and wildfires exacerbated disparities in education. Our guiding principle in Oregon’s education budget is to ensure students have the support they need to succeed, which includes addressing social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, particularly for students from communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted.
The $9.3 billion proposal is in addition to several other sources of funding from legislation passed to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our children. It is in addition to the $250 million for summer learning and enrichment programs allocated to school districts and community organizations this year. That funding will allow many students to catch up and prepare for the next school year. Additionally, schools will continue receiving funding from the landmark Student Success Act, which directs corporate tax revenue to classrooms and school programs with an emphasis on meeting the needs of Oregon’s Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students. The Student Success Act continues to provide targeted funds to expand early education access, add mental health resources for students, fund culturally specific programming, and restore art, music, PE, and career training. And we are also committed to fully funding Measure 98, which funds additional career, technical, and vocational education in schools.
This budget will stabilize school budgets and ensure we can still have funds for health care and other urgent priorities as we recover from one of the hardest economic recessions in our lifetimes and a global pandemic. We know so many Oregonians are struggling right now, and we’re working hard to ensure we can meet everyone’s needs, especially those of our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities, who have been disproportionately impacted during COVID. This proposal will fund our schools at the level they need, without underfunding essential programs and services like healthcare, including mental and behavioral health needs, as we recover from the pandemic.
2021 Session Committee Assignments
Joint Committee On Ways and Means
Joint Committee On Transportation - Co-Chair
House Committee On Agriculture and Natural Resources - Vice Chair
Joint Committee On the Interstate 5 Bridge - Co-Chair
Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Education - Co-Chair
2019-2020 Joint Emergency Board
Watch all Oregon State Legislature Live-Streams and Meetings HERE
Track all 2021 Session Bills HERE
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Instructions for how to testify:
English instructions here
Aquí están las instrucciones
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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor the nation’s fallen service members this Memorial Day during a virtual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony, in line with continuing gathering limits in place in many areas due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick will serve as emcee and one of the event’s keynote speakers, delivering remarks on the theme of unity. The event will also feature remarks by other honored veterans and distinguished guests, as well as pre-recorded ceremonial elements filmed on location (with no audience) at the Oregon Korean War Memorial in Wilsonville. These elements include a color guard ceremony, the national anthem, a wreath-laying ceremony and Taps.
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is grateful to the Oregon Military Department, Oregon National Guard, City of Wilsonville and Korean War Veterans Association for their support of this unique event.
The ceremony will premiere virtually at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31 on ODVA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/odvavet) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQVavs9KmvDeJ42ySFtY8A).
Senate Bill 496A - Extension of Unemployment Benefits to Education Workers
I was very proud to sponsor and vote for this bill, which would add workers providing food preparation and service, as well as early intervention and prekindergarten services to receive unemployment benefits for any week of unemployment, even for weeks that begin during two successive academic years or terms.
The bill compliments SB 495 A, which passed 40-17 this week, which expands unemployment benefits to Educational Assistants, many of whom struggle to make ends meet during breaks during the school year.
The bills aim to provide financial support and equal access to unemployment insurance (UI) to low-wage workers, many of whom are women and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), by removing barriers to benefits. This legislation will also ensure the same procedure for our education workers as other UI claim process.
Currently, the UI program has special provisions that apply to people who work for educational institutions, generally restricting employees from receiving UI benefit during school breaks, including summer break. Federal law affords little flexibility to states in applying those laws to employees performing instructional, research, or principal administrative work, but provides greater flexibility on their application to people who perform other types of services.
SB 496 A passed 45-10 in the House and now moves on to the Governor’s desk.
House Bill 2475 - The Energy Affordability Act
The Oregon Senate approved House Bill 2475 today, which is now on the way to the Governor’s desk for final approval. The bill, known as the Energy Affordability Act, will improve participation for environmental justice advocates within the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) process, and expand the PUC’s ability to establish rate classes based on differential energy burdens on low-income customers and other social equity or environmental justice factors that affect affordability for utility customers.
Currently, as part of the rate making process, the PUC uses a variety of factors to determine how to classify rate payers in order to determine their utility rates. House Bill 2475 would expand the considerations the PUC may use to establish rate classifications in order to ensure they can take into account the differential energy burdens of low-income customers and consider other social equity and environmental justice factors that affect affordability.
House Bill 2475 passed the Senate with a vote of 18-11. The bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.
Hearing Highlights
House Bill 2954 - Charter School Weighting
I was back in the Senate Education Committee again this week to testify on my bill on weighting requirements for public charter schools. HB2954 allows public charter schools to implement a weighted lottery that favors historically underserved students when the number of applicants for enrollment exceeds the capacity of the program, class, grade level, or building.
To view my testimony, please click on the image to the right.
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House Bill 2953 - Community-Based Structured Housing
I testified before the Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health, and Recovery. House Bill 2953, the Community Based Structured Housing Fix bill, requires adequate oversight of community wrap-around services. It passed in the House with unanimous support in both committee and on the floor
To view my testimony, please click on the image to the right.
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House Bill 3185 - The Ditch Fix Bill
This week I testified on my bill, HB3185, in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. This bill is an environmental 'fix it' bill that provides statutory language specifying that material removed from traditionally maintained agricultural channels during maintenance activities cannot be placed on or in undisturbed wetlands, either temporarily or permanently. This was the intent of the original bill and this concept is also in program rules. The bill does not change the original purpose or guidelines. It has a work session scheduled for 5/19 at 3:15pm.
To view my testimony, please click on the image to the right.
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*This information comes from an Oregon Senate Democrat Press Release. Click the link above to read more.
(Salem, OR) — After productive conversations between Governor Kate Brown, Senate President Peter Courtney, and House Speaker Tina Kotek, today the Joint Ways and Means Committee moved forward Senate Bill 5514, a State School Fund budget that will invest $9.3 billion in K-12 public schools this year. After the release of the May 19 revenue forecast, lawmakers will finalize decisions on which funding sources will be used to reach a $9.3 billion State School Fund spending level.
The three leaders affirmed their commitment to centering equity in Oregon’s public education investments to address historic disparities and the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and students of color. In the coming days, the Governor’s Office and legislators will work with education leaders and leaders from communities of color to identify concrete actions to be undertaken in partnership with school districts to further these urgent goals.
The Governor, Speaker, and President issued the following statement:
“Our state, school districts and community leaders have a critical opportunity to work together to address the impacts of the pandemic and further elevate students’ social, emotional, and mental health, particularly for students from communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted. The investments we make in public schools today will ensure students have the support they need next year to learn, grow, and achieve."
This article is from Pamplin Media - click on the title above to view the story.
A suspect could not assert so-called "gay panic" as a legal defense against second-degree murder in Oregon under a bill that is headed to Gov. Kate Brown.
The Oregon House passed Senate Bill 704 without amendment on a 54-0 vote Thursday, May 13.
The bill would bar the discovery of a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity as a reasonable explanation for someone undergoing an extreme emotional disturbance as an affirmative defense to second-degree murder. A person would not be justified in using physical force against another person upon discovery of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Oregon would join 13 other states, plus Washington, D.C., with similar laws. The Senate passed it, 29-1, on April 14; Republican Dallas Heard of Roseburg was the lone opponent.
Though Senate Bill 704 does not bear anyone's name unlike bills in other states, its passage comes less than a year after the stabbing death of Aja Raquell Rhone-Stevens, a 32-year-old transgender woman, in July 2020 in Northeast Portland. She was attending a vigil for another homicide victim. No one has been arrested in connection with the case.
She was one of a record 44 deaths tallied in 2020 by the Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) people. Many of the victims are transgender people of color. The organization has tallied 23 deaths so far this year.
"When we finally see justice for Aja's murder, we can ensure that, when we show up to the courtroom, her memory won't be insulted by someone trying to use the panic defense to justify her death," Dana Spears, her sister, said in a statement after the House vote. "I'm thankful to everyone in the community who used their voice for Aja, and saw this bill passed."
It was one of the priorities of Basic Rights Oregon, the state's leading LGBTQ advocacy group.
"This legislation states, unequivocally, in Oregon, there is never an excuse for violence against transgender people," Mikki Gillette said on behalf of the group.
Under current state law, a suspect can assert an affirmative defense to second-degree murder if the extreme emotional disturbance is not the result of the person's own intentional, knowing, reckless or criminally negligent act and if there is a reasonable explanation for the disturbance.
"These cases often involve incredible and brutal acts of violence," Rep. Karin Power, D-Milwaukie, the bill's floor manager, said during House debate. "Defendants use these defenses to avoid full accountability on the grounds that actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is reasonable in and of itself to be considered adequate provocation.
"Passage of this bill would send a strong and proactive message that the perpetrator of a second-degree murder will not be able to excuse the crime simply based on who the victim is."
Power, a lesbian, is one of four House chief sponsors of the bill.
So is Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, who has identified himself as gay for 30 years. He said he considered himself lucky that he was unable to think of a negative long-term consequence to himself or his husband for being gay.
"But I know that is not true for every LGBT person in our state and country," he said.
Nosse described the 2020 death of Rhone-Stevens.
"When we finally see justice for her murder, we want to ensure that we can show up to the courtroom and her memory is not insulted by someone trying to use the panic defense for her death," he said.
Also a chief sponsor is Rep. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, who said transgender women of color are more likely to be the targets of violence.
"Many of these attacks are motivated by nothing other than the victim's gender or orientation," she said. "I have heard from constituents, friends and family on how important the passage of this bill is to them," including a nephew who sent her a text message.
"I was proud to say to him that I do know," she said.
Rep. Anna Williams is a Democrat from Hood River whose district includes Sandy, where a gay pride rally drew a counterprotest barely two months ago.
"A law that excuses criminal behavior against certain groups of people is essentially a law that diminishes the humanity of that group," Williams said. "The existence of the LGBTQ panic defense means that as a state, we sanction violence against members of this community."
As of May 13, 2021, every Oregonian age 12 and up is eligible for a vaccine.
Twelve to 14 year-olds must be accompanied by either a parent, guardian or someone designated by the parent. If someone other than a parent or guardian accompanies the 12 to 14-year-old, they will need to provide proof of parental/guardian consent.
Proof of consent is either:
- A signed consent form (available in English and Spanish on the All4OR.org site)
- A written or typed note that includes the parent/guardians name, relationship to the young adult, their date of birth, a statement saying they consent to young adult being vaccinated and the parent/guardian signature.
Fifteen-year-olds do not need to be accompanied, and do not require parental consent in the state of Oregon.
*This information comes from the Oregon Health Authority Press Release. Click the link above to read more.
Following new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Kate Brown announced today that Oregon will be following this guidance, which only applies to fully-vaccinated individuals. The guidance takes effect today.
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Oregonians who are fully-vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.
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There are a few exceptions, such as public transportation, hospitals, correctional facilities, and long-term care facilities.
You can read more about the new guidance on the Oregon Vaccine News blog or watch the video of Governor Brown’s statement here.
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Washington Co. Vaccine Information:
NEW! You can now WALK IN to the Oregon Convention Center for a vaccination, or you can schedule your own first-dose COVID-19 vaccination appointment there via this new website. It works best using Chrome, Edge or Safari. The Pfizer vaccine is given at this location, so it's a great option for those ages 16 and up.
Get Vaccinated Oregon Sign up here and you will be sent an invitation when a vaccine appointment is available to you. Appointments are for the Oregon Convention Center as well as other locations, including some in Washington County. Children ages 12-15 are now authorized and eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. You can sign them up on Get Vaccinated Oregon's website NOW.
OHSU drive-thru clinics at Hillsboro Stadium and PDX Airport Red Economy Lot: Schedule online via OHSU's tool. New appointments are released at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at the very least. Other days are often added at the last minute, so you might want to visit OHSU's page weekdays at 9 a.m. if you are looking for an appointment.
Washington County-sponsored community clinics open to public:
- Saturday, May 15, St. Anthony's in Tigard. Moderna vaccine for 18+. Make appointment here. Walk-ins accepted from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Saturday, May 22, Hillsboro Senior Center. Moderna vaccine for 18+. Make appointment here. Walk-ins accepted from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Local pharmacies: As of April 27, 2021, pharmacies are required to offer second/boost doses to people who received their first dose somewhere else.
How much does the vaccine cost? Vaccines are provided free of charge to the recipient. If you have health insurance, you may be asked to provide that information so the vaccinator can bill your insurance an administration fee.
Johnson & Johnson Update: On April 23, the Food and Drug Administration lifted the pause on the use of the J&J vaccine, with a warning about the potential for rare blood clots for women under age 50. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also found that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is “generally safe and effective and that the resumption of its use is warranted once culturally and linguistically appropriate patient and provider educational materials in plain language that support informed decision-making are available.” The FDA has provided an updated Q&A about the J&J vaccine.
The Oregon Health Authority says that Oregon health care providers and pharmacies may resume administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine if they can ensure patients or their caregivers are informed about the benefits and risks of the vaccine in their primary language.
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National Numbers:
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Confirmed Cases: 32,293,152
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Deaths: 577,828
- These national numbers come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can view their national and state by state data here.
Oregon Status Report:
- Oregon now has 193,732 total cases (confirmed and presumptive) of COVID-19.
- Today we have 718 new confirmed and presumptive cases, and 13 new deaths.
- A total of 2,572 Oregonians have died from COVID-19 (previous daily case updates from OHA here)
- Washington County has 25,592 confirmed cases, including 233 deaths.
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The Oregon Health Authority provides a Public Health Indicators Dashboard to enable communities across Oregon to monitor COVID-19 in the state. The dashboard, which will be updated weekly on Thursdays, provides a transparent report that presents complex epidemiological data in an interactive, easy-to-understand way on a state and county level
Oregon acts with a ‘world view’ in sending supplies to rural communities in India
Right now, India is in the midst of a devastating surge of COVID-19 and with it a shortage of vital supplies needed to stop the spread of the virus. Many people waiting in line for tests are turned away due to lack of supplies.
This month Oregon is sending a shipment of 300,000 BinaxNOW rapid test kits to India. These tests, which produce results in 15 minutes, will allow more cases of COVID-19 to be quickly identified so that steps can be taken to contain the virus.
“The relationships we have forged through the pandemic have made it possible to rally support to India in its time of need,” said Akiko Saito, deputy director of OHA’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Unit. “The Governor’s Office, OHA, Department of Administrative Services, Port of Portland and Cathay Pacific working together to send COVID-19 rapid tests is evidence of Oregon’s heart and commitment to a world view.”
The Desai Foundation, an organization that serves rural communities with health and livelihood programs focused on women + children in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh will ensure the kits are distributed to COVID Care & Isolation Centers, Hospitals and local health workers to ensure the tests get into the hands of the people who need it most.
Oregon received 1.2 million BinaxNOW tests from the federal government in October 2020. We still have a very generous reserve of tests to use for diagnostic testing within Oregon.
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New Ride Connection routes up and running
*This article is from the Forest Grove News-Times.
Getting around western Washington County just got a little easier.
Ride Connection, a private, nonprofit organization that offers alternative means of transportation for residents looking to access the goods and services necessary to survive, began offering expanded routes and services — including Saturdays — in Forest Grove this past March.
The added routes are providing Washington County residents, especially those living in rural areas, expanded and more frequent access to employment destinations, school, grocery and other shopping locations, and leisure.
The rollout included expansions on the GroveLink, WestLink, and rural Washington County door-to-door transportation programs.
Additionally, Ride Connection is now offering a Saturday Cornelius loop between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with service running roughly every 45-50 minutes for the majority of the day. The free service serves Forest Grove and Cornelius with connections to the following:
• Cornelius City Library
• Centro Cultural
• Walmart
• Rose Grove Mobile Home Community
• Neil Armstrong Middle School
• Homestead Community
• Harleman Park
• Fred Meyer/Walgreens/Cornelius Gateway Shopping Center
Transfers between the GroveLink Saturday loop and the Cornelius loop can be made at the Safeway (Pacific Avenue) stop next to the Forest Grove Goodwill.
Westlink, which currently connects residents of Forest Grove, Banks and North Plains with the Hillsboro Transit Center, and operates Monday through Friday with one morning and one evening trip, now includes two mid-day round trips, an additional bus stop in North Plains near Pacific Street and Glencoe Road, and additional stops in Forest Grove to make connections to TriMet Route 57 and GroveLink. It will also offer deviations off route to pick up and/or drop off within the city limits of North Plains and Banks.
Ride Connection's rural door-to-door service allows residents to request trips between rural Washington County up to west of 10th Street in Hillsboro. Medical appointment trips can be made as far east as 185th Avenue in Hillsboro, and ride availability is Monday through Saturday at predetermined pick up and return times. As part of the expansion, customers can request trips as far east as 185th Avenue going south to Southwest Kemmer Road, west to Southwest 175th Avenue and south to Southwest Roy Rogers Road. Additionally, medical appointments can be made as far east as the Willamette River.
Customers are limited to 23 round trips per month between urban and rural destinations. While previously only offering urban-to-rural or rural-to-urban trips, the service will now provide rural-to-rural trips outside TriMet service boundary within Washington County, Ride Connection says.
The Ride Connection network is made up of a collection of agencies who serve older adults and people with disabilities, as well as low-income individuals and the general public, by offering a variety of transportation options in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Together, they provide over 500,000 rides and support more than 2,000 individuals with training and access to public transportation each year.
Know Before You Go: Natural Resource Agencies Offer Recreation Site Status Map
With the sun shining and weather warming up, more and more people are using the new Recreation Site Status Map to help plan their outdoor adventures.
The Recreation Site Status Map displays federal and state recreation areas in Oregon, including trails, parks and campgrounds, with their current open status along with links to more information. Details on county parks, boat ramps and an instructional PDF can be found under the “About” section of the map.
Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by double checking with land management agencies before heading out. As a site's status can change quickly, it is recommended guests have a backup list of alternative areas to visit and make sure to bring necessary supplies like water, snacks and sunscreen.
Visit the Natural and Cultural Resources Recovery Task Force website for more information.
Drinking-Water Survey will Help Recovery Survivors and Efforts
The 2020 wildfires damaged many public and private water systems across Oregon. The Potable Water Resources Task Force, part of Oregon’s state led wildfire recovery efforts, has launched a survey to to learn about wildfire impacts to private drinking water wells and systems so that it can begin addressing the problem.
If you rely on a private well or surface water system for your drinking water, please fill out this brief survey. Your answers will help assess damages related to the 2020 wildfires, helping the state better support impacted Oregonians.
State and local partners continue water resource efforts such as testing and repairing equipment for water treatment, storage and distribution. Results from the current survey will help inform and improve these ongoing efforts.
Additionally, there is still time to apply for a voucher for free well water testing. The Oregon Health Authority will continue to provide testing vouchers to well owners through May 15, 2021. Well owners can select from a list of approved environmental laboratories in Oregon that will honor the vouchers for testing services. The tests will look for the presence of bacteria and hazardous chemicals often found after a wildfire.
For general information and resources for drinking water supply recovery, visit Oregon’s Wildfire Response webpage. For information, questions, or concerns contact the Potable Water Resources Task Force at fire.info@state.or.us.
Wildfire Recovery Resources
OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.
The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page. It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees. This website will be updated regularly.
Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.
The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.
FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.
Landlord Compensation Fund
The Landlord Compensation fund’s second round of funding is currently open for applications – it closes this Monday, May 17th at 5pm. This round offers $70 million in assistance to landlords and will cover 80% of total past due rent (accrued from April 2020 – May 2021, with no cap on the # of months covered), if a landlord agrees to forgive the other 20%. Unlike tenant-based assistance programs, the LCF does not have income eligibility criteria for tenants, but tenants do need to submit a signed declaration of financial hardship. OHCS has made significant updates to the LCF Application Portal that make it easier for landlords and property managers to submit the required information. If your constituent are having any difficulties, they can email HCS.LCFSupport@oregon.gov; landlords that do not have access to email or the internet can call 503-986-6765 for assistance in applying. OHCS thinks it’s likely that this round’s funding will be sufficient to fund every landlord who submits a complete application, so it’s very important that we help get the word out.
In terms of assistance that tenants can apply for directly, the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) will be opening applications next Wednesday, May 19th and will distribute $204 million in federal funding. This program can help with rent or utilities payments for low income households (households at 80% of Area Median Income or less, and which have experienced a financial hardship). Unlike the LCF, OERAP can cover current/future rent, in addition to past rent. Instead of tenants applying through their community action agency or other local organization (as was the case with past rounds of tenant-based rental assistance), there will be one centralized, statewide tenant application run by OHCS. You can direct your constituents to the website linked for more information and for a link to the application portal (which should be posted next week).
*This article comes from the KDRV News. Click the link above to read more.
Though the assistance comes late for the 2020-21 school year, Oregon has received federal approval to distribute more than $550 million in food assistance for families that do not have access to free or reduced-price meals that are usually provided at schools.
For an estimated 572,000 children in Oregon, the assistance will come in the form of Pandemic EBT benefits. The federal approval technically applies to students who were eligible for the 2020-21 school year, though issuance is not expected to begin until July.
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits — they will automatically be issued for students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals and were enrolled in Oregon schools.
Children who are not currently enrolled in the meal program can still be admitted online at the Oregon Department of Education website or through their schools. The application needs to be completed before June 30 to receive the P-EBT benefits.
Each student receives their own P-EBT card, and families who are new to the program will receive a card in the mail with instructions. Cards are mailed to the address on file with the school for students who do not receive SNAP. Those who are already SNAP recipients will receive P-EBT benefits on the EBT card provided through SNAP.
Children who receive a card can still participate in grab-and-go meals or other emergency food programs provided through schools or other community organizations.
Employers and Employees
The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
I love all the flowers blooming this time of year!
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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