Friends and Neighbors,
House District 30 Virtual Office Hours
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This Friday, May 21, from 11:00am-12:00pm, I will be holding HD 30 Virtual Office Hours. This is an opportunity for fellow House District 30 constituents to join me and the HD 30 team and stop by to ask a question or share a thought. Stay as long, or as little, as you like. We will hold office hours every Friday from 11:00-12:00 to meet with you virtually by Zoom. Use the link below to join.
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Join Zoom Meeting
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North Plains Community Conversation
May Revenue Forecast
This afternoon, the May Revenue Forecast was released and presented in the House Committee on Revenue. You can watch the meeting back later at this link here. The slide presentation of the forecast can be found here.
Speaker Kotek has shared the following press release regarding the forecast:
House Speaker Tina Kotek releases statement on quarterly economic and revenue forecast
SALEM – Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek issued the following statement today following the release of the latest quarterly state economic and revenue forecast:
“Today’s forecast is stunning. A year ago, the world was in a free fall. Oregon’s decisions and investments in the face of converging crises have started an incredibly strong recovery.
“While Oregon’s economy is experiencing its strongest growth in decades, we must remember that too many Oregonians are struggling to pay rent or put food on the table. The legislature must seize this opportunity to deliver bold action and immediate relief for Oregon families. This forecast means we can make critical investments to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance racial equity, and address our housing and behavioral health needs.
“We must also recognize that the extended tax filing deadline and delayed information on the federal relief funds have created significant budget uncertainty. As we balance the state budget, we must maintain strong reserves to ensure we can adjust as needed.”
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Oregon Health Authority Updates
Oregon Adjusts Guidelines for Wearing Masks and Physical Distancing Indoors and Outdoors
From the Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) yesterday released updated guidance about mask and physical distancing requirements for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Now people who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors, in most public settings where vaccination status is checked.
In public settings where vaccination status is not checked, masks will still be required.
Finally, businesses and venue operators remain free to establish their own, more restrictive policies regarding mask usage.
Here are links to the guidance:
Five Oregon Counties Moving to Lower Risk Starting Friday, May 21
From the Oregon Health Authority
As of May 18, five counties have administered first doses of vaccine to 65% of people ages 16 and older in their county and have submitted a comprehensive vaccination plan to OHA that addresses equity gaps. These counties will be moving to Lower Risk starting May 21:
- Benton
- Deschutes
- Hood River
- Lincoln
- Washington
Follow these links for more information:
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Applications Open!
From Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
Are you behind on rent or utility bills because of the pandemic? Oregon recently opened a new assistance program for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://www.oregonrentalassistance.org/ to learn more, review the tenant check list, and apply for assistance online!
OHCS created a partner toolkit to help communities promote this vital resource. This packet includes check lists for tenants and landlords, application information and documentation, frequently asked questions, and other helpful information related to the program. We appreciate your help sharing this toolkit with community based organizations and other organizations supporting tenants and landlords. So many of our friends and neighbors are in need, and we’re incredible grateful to provide this lifeline.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. This is especially important to remember now as we cope with the mental stresses caused by COVID-19 over the last 14 months and prepare for the mental stresses that will accompany our long-awaited return to some semblance of normalcy. It is important that we destigmatize seeking mental health help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of bravery. Below is a list of both in person and remote mental health crisis resources. If you or a loved one find yourself in a mental health crisis or with prolonged mental health struggles, we hope these resources can be a first step on the road to recovery.
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Hawthorne Walk-In Center (Hours and Location, FAQ) – This center provides in person mental health services with no appointments or out of pocket costs, even without insurance. It is also located right on the Max line, making it highly accessible.
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Washington County Crisis Line (503-291-9111) – This is a 24/7 mental health crisis support resource. They serve both those in crisis as well as family or friends who are concerned a loved one is experiencing a crisis. Interpreters are available for those who do not speak English. They can also refer individuals to the Washington County Crisis Team when an emergency, in person response
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COVID-19 Community Counseling Program (503-846-4528) – This resource is a partnership between Washington County and several community partners to provide COVID-19 specific counseling resources. They can help both those who are struggling with mental health from the lockdown and isolation as well as those who have had COVID-19 or have someone close who has.
Safe + Strong Oregon has collected a large variety of mental health resources on their page here. There are resources for at-home self-care, crisis lines, and both on-going and crisis in-person resources. You can find community based for resources here, including resources for the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities, seniors, and youth and families. Below are a few examples of the great resources you will find:
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Call to Safety (Call: 888-235-5333, Text or Call: 503-235-5333) – For domestic and sexual violence support
Finally, there are mental health focused webinars available to participate in.
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Counseling and Therapy, Demystified (OSU Webinar 5/12. Recording available for viewing): There are many myths about counseling and psychotherapy that ultimately prevent people from seeking the help that they need. In this session we will explore these myths and demystify the therapy process. We will look at areas where therapy might be beneficial. This session will provide some insight into what happens during a therapy session and what one can expect when seeking services. We will give an overview of different therapeutic approaches and discuss appropriate levels of care to address certain concerns.
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Taking Time for Yourself: Writing and Peer Support (Mental Health America 5/18, Recording Available): A webincar by Alana Sadhu of LiveWell Coaching focusing on the use of creative writing for self-care and in peer support.
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Back To “Normal” – Or Not: How To Help Your Family Through COVID-19 Transitions (Mental Health America 5/4, recording available) – Mental health experts discuss the impacts of both the COVID-19 lockdown and the transition back to “normal”, hoping to help guide families through this turbulent time.
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Mental Health America has an online catalogue of webinars covering many more topics here.
Community Outreach
Adopt One Block
Help beautify your neighborhood...Mr. Rogers would be proud! :) Volunteer to keep a block in your neighborhood clean. It is free and catching on. Click on the link below and explore what the program is about. If you sign up, they will send you a really nice "picker upper" tool, and some bags. The program runs throughout the state, so grab a block in your area (or more than one) and let's get some ground covered. Check out adoptoneblock.org
Don't miss out! The Earth Week (and beyond!) Challenge ends May 22.
From Washington County
Download the GooseChase app on iOS or Android, search WashCo Earth Week or enter game code R7419E, and submit missions until May 22.
Prizes:
- Submit at least two missions and be entered into a raffle for a variety of fun prizes!
- 200+ points wins a collapsible ChicoBag tote.
- Top 3 point earners will receive a special zero waste prize pack with travel utensils, reusable sandwich bags and more!
Sample Missions:
- Take a selfie with your favorite house plant.
- Borrow/replace a book from a Little Free Library.
- Visit Fernhill Wetlands and share one thing you’ve learned.
- Dress up in your favorite costume and share a picture of you taking out your garbage/recycling.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
This past weekend, my husband and I enjoyed a beautiful day away. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it was good for our mind & soul to get away, if even for a day. We celebrated his birthday and our 30th anniversary that took place last week. We had some wave therapy, enjoyed retail therapy, good eats therapy and a whole lot of laughter. I even got to fly a kite! It was so good to see others out blessing local business too.
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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