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I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day and the opportunity to remember the sacrifices of everyone who has given their life fighting for our freedoms. We were able to take a little break from the Legislature, giving us a brief recharge before we embark on our final month of session.
With “Sine Die” (the end of session) declared imminent and the second chamber deadline having passed, the tension and sense of urgency are rising. With time running short, we have continued our efforts to get our schools fully open, and fully funded for Fall.
Yesterday, Republicans made attempts to accomplish both of these goals, and were blocked by Democrats. We tried to “pull” HB 3399 to the floor for a vote to give parents and students the assurance that schools would offer full-time, in-person education this Fall. The motion failed with 20 yes votes, 36 no votes, and 4 legislators excused.
Next, we tried to refer HB 5514 back to committee to fully fund schools at a level that would not result in cuts to our education levels. Despite 8 Democrats having signed a letter supporting a fully-funded budget level of $9.6 billion (as well as state revenues through the roof!), this motion also failed 22 yes votes, 34 no votes, and 4 legislators excused.
I can’t help but wonder, where are the real priorities of this Legislative body? How can we watch the ongoing suffering of our students, and not invest our ample funds into getting them back on track?
Our students deserve better.
The Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund (SCWRF) is currently accepting applications for Round 2 of Recovery Grants. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to eligible Santiam Canyon property owners who lost their homes and other structures in the September 2020 wildfires. SCWRF intends to distribute $2.4 million in this round of funding. The application deadline is August 27th, 2021.
For more information about eligibility requirements or to apply, visit their website santiamcanyonwildfirerelieffund.org
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 Certain regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit requirements were paused or changed during the pandemic. Now that Oregon is on the road to recovery, work search requirements are being phased back in. The first work search requirement being restored is to register in WorkSource Oregon’s iMatchSkills® online system and create a Job Seeker profile by a certain deadline.
Due to the high volume of people registering and beginning to search for work, Oregon's Employment Department (OED) is offering multiple deadlines over the next five weeks to make it easier to get through to your local WorkSource office, if you have any questions.
You will get a letter this summer telling you when you need to complete your work search requirements, and the deadline you need to complete them by. Your benefits WILL STOP if you don’t complete these requirements by the deadline in YOUR letter.
For more details about work search requirements and how OED can help you return to work, visit unemployment.oregon.gov/ReturnToWork or call your local WorkSource office. As always, if you are having trouble getting in contact with OED, please don't hesitate to call (503-986-1417) or email (Rep.JamiCate@OregonLegislature.gov) my office for assistance.
 The Operational Cost Assistance Grant is designed for businesses with 100 or fewer employees in industries that were particularly affected by the pandemic, including those that:
- offer the consumption of food and or drink on premise;
- provide specified indoor physical exercise, recreational or family entertainment; OR
- provide specified personal services.
More program information is available on Business Oregon’s website.
For more information on getting vaccinated, please use the resources below.
To view previous newsletters, please visit my website.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1417
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-378, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/cate
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