Session Update

Kim Wallan

Neighbors,

The 2021 Legislative Session is winding down for the year. The Oregon constitution requires that session end no later than June 27. We may finish our legislative business before that date; I will keep you informed as these last weeks progress. 

Below you will find important information about changes to the Unemployment system that take effect on June 19. I've also included a note to our recent graduates and a few updates about housing.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, the best way to contact my office is by email at Rep.KimWallan@oregonlegislature.gov. My staff is only in the Capitol building part-time, but they are checking messages and returning phone calls throughout the week.

Best,
Kim


New UI, PUA Requirements

The Employment Department is reinstating return-to-work requirements that were paused during the height of the pandemic. These requirements will only apply to people receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits. The process for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are still being finalized. Work search requirements will be reinstated in phases, beginning with registration for OED's job matching program, iMatchSkills

Approximately 40,000 Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants were sent letters outlining the phase-in of work search requirements. This first group has until June 19, 2021 to register for iMatchSkills. 

As requirements are phased back in, you will have to complete both steps for your regular unemployment benefits to continue: complete your registration and create your "Job Seeker Profile" in iMatchSkills. 

The Employment Department launched a "Return to Work" webpage to house resources and information you will need to fulfill the reinstated work search requirements. On this page, you'll find more information about each requirement, a reinstatement timeline, a step-by-step guide, answers to FAQs, contact information for WorkSource offices around the state, and links to many other helpful resources. 

You can find the full reinstatement timeline on the Return to Work webpage. See below for an abbreviated timeline:

  1. Saturday, June 19, 2021 - The deadline for the FIRST group of claimants to complete Customer Registration and your iMatchSkills profile so you can continue receiving benefits.
    1. OED is notifying claimants in waves to ensure everyone can get through to them with questions. Each claimant group will be notified of their deadline. Watch for a letter from us specifying your deadline.
    2. If you do NOT register by your deadline, your benefits will be denied. If you miss the deadline and then register in iMatchSkills, the denial may be reversed and your benefits will be paid if you are eligible for the week.
  2. Sunday, July 25, 2021 through Saturday, July 31, 2021 - The first week you are required to report your work-seeking activities on your weekly claim to continue receiving benefits.
    1. You will be required to report your work-seeking activities for any week you want to receive benefits going forward.
    2. You may also be selected to meet with WorkSource Oregon staff, virtually or in-person, to complete a Welcome Conversation. We will mail you a letter if you are selected for a Welcome Conversation. If you are selected for a Welcome Conversation and do NOT complete the tasks by your assigned deadline, your benefits will be denied.

According to the Oregon Employment Department, not reporting a job refusal is an example of what could be considered fraud. Here’s the full list that is considered fraudulent:

  • Not reporting a job refusal or work you miss while claiming benefits
  • Providing false information or withholding information to get benefits
  • Failing to report all of your earnings when filing for weekly benefits
  • Not reporting your job separation accurately
  • Filing a claim using another person's identity

Employers who suspect fraud can submit an Employer Reported Job Refusal form at this link, If you believe someone else is claiming benefits under your name, check here for more info on the topic.


Attempt to Ban "Vaccine Passports"

Today, I joined my colleagues in supporting HB 3407, which would prohibit public bodies from issuing or requiring vaccine documentation related to COVID-19 vaccination status in order to access certain amenities. The bill would also have prohibited private and public entities from requiring people to wear face coverings if the individual did not state or document vaccination against or immunity to COVID-19 in order to access places of business and other amenities.

We brought this bill directly to the House floor for a vote this morning. Unfortunately, on a mostly party-line vote, it was defeated. While I understand the need for reasonable measures, especially early in the pandemic, to keep our community safe, I do not support the governor's requirement that people disclose their vaccination status.   


Landlord Compensation Fund- Final Round

I know that accessing funds to accommodate for lost rental income has been difficult for many in our community. The third and final round of applications for the Landlord Compensation Fund with at least $60 million in assistance available.  This is the final opportunity for landlords to apply to get assistance to cover rental debt for tenants, regardless of income, and this round will cover former tenants. OCHS encourages landlords to apply before June 18th. Visit https://lcf.oregon.gov/lcf to apply today.

If you are a renter and in need of assistance, visit https://www.oregonrentalassistance.org to submit an application.


Housing Important Dates

Last week the governor issue Executive Order 21-14, which extended the Mortgage Foreclosure Moratorium.  Here are a number of important dates related to housing and the moratoriums/grace periods in place that might be helpful for you:

July 1, 2021 - Residential Eviction Moratorium ends. Set by HB 4401 (3rd Special Session).

September 30, 2021 – Mortgage Foreclosure Moratorium ends. Instituted by HB 2009 and extended by EO 21-14.

September 30, 2021 – Grace Period for repayment of nonresidential rent accrued between April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 ends. Set by HB 2966.

February 28, 2022 – Grace Period for nonpayment of rent between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 ends. Extended by SB 282.


Congrats, Grads!

This school year was unlike any other--between distance and hybrid learning, unpredictable sports schedules, and quarantines, our seniors overcame so much to complete this school year. Congratulations to all our high school and college graduates. We wish you all the best! 


Listen to Kim on KMED

I call into KMED every other Tuesday at 7:10 to give updates on what's happening in the legislature. Tune in Tuesday, June 22 for my next real-time update from Salem. 


Capitol Phone: 503-986-1406
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.KimWallan@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wallan