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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Today we remember George Floyd on the one-year anniversary of his murder. His murder reverberated around the world, and here in Oregon where we recognize that we can and must do better. The Oregon House of Representatives has passed nine police reform bills this session, but this has to be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it. I pledge to continue working with my BIPOC colleagues to ensure that every voice is heard and every voice is respected. While we remember George Floyd today, we must also prepare ourselves for the long road ahead of us to ensure justice and equality for all.
On another serious note, this past year has strained the fabric of our democracy. We have seen unprecedented attacks on the right to vote across a geographically diverse set of states, limits on citizens' rights to protest, and an attack on the heart of our democracy, the U.S. Capitol. I have often heard that the best way to preserve democracy is to teach democracy. And FDR once said "the real safeguard of democracy...is education." This is why I was very proud to vote for Senate Bill 513A, which requires the completion of a civics course in order to graduate high school in the state of Oregon. In order to keep our democracy, we must ensure that the next generation of voters understand the privileges and responsibilities that come with participation in that democracy.
At the Capitol this week! Busy Floor Sessions with 3rd readings of Senate bills, and intense budget meetings. I enjoyed comparing notes with Rep. Sollman, another WashCo Representative!
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).
House Bill 3291 - Election Day Postmarks
I have always been proud that Oregon leads the nation in equitable and accessible voting, and yesterday we took one step more towards perfecting our system. House Democrats passed House Bill 3291, expanding voting accessibility by allowing ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within seven days after Election Day. Currently, ballots that are in USPS’ hands by Election Day but were not delivered until after Election Day are not counted, discarding thousands of votes. This impacts several vulnerable populations, including rural areas, low-income folks, and Black, Indigenous, and communities of color who face increased barriers to voting. The bill aims to expand voting rights by ensuring every ballot submitted by Election Day is counted and every voice is heard.
“When someone takes the time out of their busy life to vote and mails in their ballot before Election Day, their vote should count,” said Rep. Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis), the bill's chief sponsor. “Our democracy is most reflective of the people it serves when every voice is heard."
In 2001 (HB 3742) and 2007 (HB 3434), Republican legislators in the House introduced similar legislation that would have ensured ballots postmarked by Election Day were to be counted. Today Democrats carry this legislation over as voting rights are threatened and restricted by Republican state legislatures across the country, targeting communities of color who turned out in historic numbers this past year.
“Voting is a right, not a privilege. At a time when we see attacks on voting rights across the country, Oregon has a chance to lead on expanding voting access,” said co-sponsor Rep. Khanh Pham (D-Portland). “We need to do everything we can to ensure that when an Oregonian -- whether they’re Black, Indigenous, a person of color, rural, low-income, or facing barriers to voting—casts their vote in the mail before the election deadline, they know their vote will count and their voice will be heard.
As of 2020 there are over 20 states, including Washington and California, that accept ballots after Election Day if they were postmarked on or before Election Day.
The bill passed 39-21 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Senate Bill 513 A - Civics Education Requirement
I was proud to join my colleagues to make education in civics a requirement for high school students by voting for Senate Bill 513 A, which updates Oregon’s high school graduation requirements to also include one half-credit of civics.
“SB 513 A is a bill that begins the process of holding our schools accountable for teaching the next generation of Oregonians how to operate the most complex, complicated, and often confounding structure of self-governance in human history,” said Rep. Paul Evans (D-Monmouth). “This bill is not a Panacea, but it is the foundation for a shared vocabulary. It will open the door to a larger more strategic investment in lifelong public service experiences and community-based opportunities for learning how to improve a neighborhood, a school, a community, and a nation.”
“In recent years, we have seen a growing mistrust of our democratic institutions, and an undermining of political norms,” said Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon (D-Woodburn). “Providing students with a civics education where our diverse population can see themselves in it and promoting a greater understanding of how our governing bodies work will help repair some of that damage.”
SB 513 A, which passed with unanimous support, now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Governor Kate Brown Issues Statement One Year After the Murder of George Floyd
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today:
“One year ago today, George Floyd was murdered. The video of the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of his life shocked the world. We were confronted with the racism and violence embedded in our society, and we could not look away.
“In the last year, we said his name.
“We called for justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. For Lloyd Stevenson, Aaron Campbell, and Kendra James. And for so many others.
“We declared that Black Lives Matter. That George Floyd’s life mattered.
“Oregonians marched in the streets, raising their voices in a clarion call for change.
“Oregon’s lawmakers passed reforms for police accountability.
“A jury held Derek Chauvin accountable and found him guilty for his crimes.
“This is not enough.
“The work of dismantling racism and inequality in this country did not end with Derek Chauvin’s conviction. This is one step and one example of personal accountability. We must also turn our attention to the structural racism that underpins our institutions.
“We have lost too many more Black lives in the year since George Floyd’s death.
“George Floyd will never truly have justice. I hope his family can find some peace. And, in the years to come, we can continue to strive toward a more just and equitable future, in his name.”
Natural or vaccine immunity: Which is more protective?
Because some people with COVID-19 can have very mild symptoms, some may see natural infection as preferable to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The fact is that natural immunity or protection from COVID-19 is not preferable to getting vaccinated.
While it’s true that having COVID-19 may create some protection, known as natural immunity, to COVID-19, at this point we aren’t sure how long this immunity will last, or how effective it is.
To learn more about why vaccination is safer than relying on natural immunity , read the full story on our blog.
Portland Trail Blazers will open vaccinated sections at Moda Center for NBA playoffs
The Portland Trail Blazers are increasing capacity at the Moda Center for the NBA playoffs with special sections for fans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a new announcement between the Blazers, the Oregon Health Authority and the office of Gov. Kate Brown.
The move is pending the final approval of Multnomah County’s vaccination equity plan, which will move the county into the lower risk level. The Blazers are set to be the first indoor sports venue in Oregon to welcome fans back with vaccinated sections.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Governor and Oregon Health Authority as the first indoor sports venue in Oregon with vaccinated sections,” Blazers President and CEO Chris McGowan said. “Rip City has shown us such tremendous support throughout the season, and I am confident their in-arena energy will fuel the team as we fight to bring the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to Portland.”
The Blazers are preparing to host their first home playoff game in their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. Portland will play Denver at home for game three on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. Pacific and game four on May 29 at 1:00 p.m. in the best-of-seven series.
Washington Co. Vaccine Information:
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.
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.
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: Appointments are preferred at our clinics, but you can walk in up to an hour before the clinic closes. Further details for the following clinics are available at the scheduling link.
- 5/25 Johnson & Johnson @ Hillsboro Senior Center
- 5/29 Johnson & Johnson @ St. Anthony's Church in Tigard
- 6/1 Johnson & Johnson @ St. Anthony's Church in Tigard
- 6/5 Johnson & Johnson @ Hillsboro Senior Center
Columbia Sportswear drive-through clinic in Beaverton: June 6-7. Pfizer vaccine for ages 12+. Make your appointment here!
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers: All vaccination events are open to the community, do not require an appointment, and do not require you to be a Virginia Garcia patient. You do not have to have insurance in order to receive a vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you. Remember, vaccines are free!
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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Percentage of People Living in Oregon who are Vaccinated
National Numbers:
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Confirmed Cases: 32,551,274
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Deaths: 583,228
- 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 197,851 total cases (confirmed and presumptive) of COVID-19.
- Today we have 357 new confirmed and presumptive cases, and 7 new deaths.
- A total of 2,613 Oregonians have died from COVID-19 (previous daily case updates from OHA here)
- Washington County has 26,004 confirmed cases, including 234 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
When do I need to wear a face covering this week?
Oregon has had a lot of changes in the past few weeks. When information is changing rapidly, it may be difficult to keep track. The Things to know this week graphic below has the most up-to-date information on when you need to wear a face covering
Transitioning back to pre-pandemic life can mean starting small
One thing is sure. The pandemic meant a time of change for everyone. Collectively we found ourselves helping our kids with virtual school, working the front lines while worrying about safety, working remotely, learning to wear masks, moving our gatherings outside, and missing our loved ones.
Public health is also adapting, and despite best intentions, the guidance is sometimes frustrating and can be challenging to keep up with. Once again, we are facing more change, but this time the change involves reopening to life beyond COVID-19.
The transition to post-pandemic life can be gradual. It’s okay if you prefer to stick with what’s predictable. Even though the restaurant down the street may have opened their indoor seating, it’s still fine to order takeout and eat at home. Or to wear a mask on a neighborhood walk.
Since the pandemic began, we have had to experiment. You might ask yourself ‘what was successful for me?’ Next, you may want to think about:
- How can I hold onto what worked?
- How can I let go of what didn’t work?
- What do I need to thrive?
Maybe you like being at home more and want to keep that as a practice. Or maybe you’ve found that you want to see friends more often. You can make a plan to keep the practices that you appreciate. Consider writing these down, mark your calendar, or set a reminder on your phone.
We may also feel out of step with others. While we are each impacted in unique ways, we are going through this together. Remembering that will help when we take on this new change. Working through this transition with others will take time and understanding.
If you’re having trouble transitioning back to your pre-pandemic life, start small. If you’re fully vaccinated, you might choose to do one thing you haven’t done in long time. Maybe that’s getting a haircut, going to a park with your pet, catching up with a friend in person, or shopping at a bookstore. Any of these can be your first step.
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Congratulations to the 2021 Crystal Apple Award Nominees!
Congratulations to the 29 staff members who were nominated for 2021 Crystal Apple Awards! Now in its 16th year, the Crystal Apple Awards are presented by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce to honor and highlight excellence in education.
Nominations can be made of any staff member - licensed, classified, or administrator - who has gone above and beyond to support students, foster a love of lifelong learning, and prepare them for a successful future.
| Christina Walters |
Principal of Witch Hazel Elementary School |
| José Barraza |
Assistant Principal of South Meadows Middle School |
| Kasia Gutierrez |
Principal of Jackson Elementary School |
| O.J. Gulley |
Principal of Evergreen Middle School |
| Abby Dawson |
English Language Arts Teacher |
| Alan Foster |
Athletic Director |
| Angela James |
Lifeskills Teacher Medically Fragile |
| Bret Davis |
Instructional Coach |
| Brooke Godfrey |
Teacher |
| Corey Jones and Samantha Meyer |
3rd Grade Dual Language Teachers |
| Heather Figueroa |
English Language Specialist |
| Heather Giard |
2nd grade teacher |
| Jason Harless |
Math Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach |
| Kelsey Julian |
Licensed Science/PE teacher |
| Kristin Blomberg |
TOSA- Erin's Law |
| Lee Ann Banning |
Teacher of the Deaf |
| Nicole Brown |
Teacher |
| Rick (Richard) Shearing |
Ceramics Instructor |
| Tamara Glem |
Teacher |
| Aidan Hutchins |
Special Education Assistant |
| AJ Antillon |
Graduation Coach |
| Barbie Norris |
Special Education Assistant |
| Benton Rowe (Ben) |
SEA 3 |
| Ciara Hartzell |
Admin support 3 |
| Courtney Anderson |
Special Education Assistant |
| Guadalupe "Lupe" Pedraza |
Graduation Coach |
| Nicole Hines |
Instructional Assistant |
| Sariah Harris |
Educational Assistant |
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Forest Grove Daybreak Rotary Club's Gardening Adventure!
I am very proud to be a member of the Forest Grove Daybreak Rotary Club, even though I have to miss meetings during Session, because they continually give back to the community.
This week the Forest Grove News-Times ran a great story on Robin Ten Broeck, and how she has decided to share her amazing garden bounty with local food banks and others in need, and how members of the Rotary Club are helping tend the garden.
The Rotary Club has also been helping out to deliver food to local food banks and pick up food from local farms. Rotarians have also delivered produce to individuals in need in Cornelius. Thank you to all who have volunteered their time.
For more information, please read the story in the Forest Grove News-Times.
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Cornelius Library Service Information Related to COVID-19
We are OPEN for:
NOTE: All visitors must wear a mask over their mouth and nose while in the library.
Services HOURS:
- Wednesday to Friday: 10am-8pm
- Saturday to Tuesday: 10am-6pm
Services now available:
(Please limit visits to 45 minutes)
- Browsing of all collections
- Staff help with account questions
- Reading suggestions and reference help
- New Library cards
- Self-checkout machines
- Self-service, coin-op copier and printer
- Use of computer
Services Not Available Yet:
- Public meeting rooms
- Seating
- Drinking fountains
- Books for sale
- Toys and games
Join our ONLINE EVENTS
Safety Precautions
Contact:
Phone: 503.357.4093 (During service hours.)
Email: cornelius@wccls.org
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The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. This program uses funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated a collective total of $280 million to Oregon, the City of Portland, and multiple counties in the state. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers.
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.
American Rescue Plan Information
Additional resources:
American Rescue Plan and Asian American & Pacific Islander Communities
American Rescue Plan and Women
American Rescue Plan and Black Communities
American Rescue Plan and Latino Communities
American Rescue Plan and Native Communities
American Rescue Plan and Small Businesses
American Rescue Plan and Health Care Costs & Disparities
American Rescue Plan and the Marketplace
American Rescue Plan and Rural America
American Rescue Plan and Housing Provisions
American Rescue Plan and Veterans
American Rescue Plan and Indian Affairs Programs
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
Rain and sunshine in Washington County this week!
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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