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Greetings:
I hope you all are staying cool and planning fun ways to stay safe and hydrated throughout the week. Below, you can read about the upcoming joint town I’ll be hosting with Senator Michael Dembrow and Representative Khanh Pham where we’ll provide a recap of the 2021 Legislative Session and answer your questions! More information about some of my legislative priorities that have recently passed both chambers, Oregon’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, and health and safety tips for extreme heat are below.
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Join me, Representative Pham and Senator Dembrow for our Joint Town Hall Tuesday, June 29 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. We encourage you to share questions or any additional accommodations using the registration link. Please register in advance for this meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qdu-sqzsjE9ynhD-zNxKvt01eBeheYusA We hope to see you there! As always, please contact my office with any questions you might have, or if you need assistance registering at: Rep.Barbarasmithwarner@oregonlegislature.gov.
Governor Kate Brown recently announced a recovery-focused executive order lifting all remaining COVID-19 health and safety restrictions issued under Oregon’s emergency statutes. Here are some important takeaways from the governor’s announcement:
- Restrictions will be lifted when Oregon achieves a 70% first dose adult vaccination rate or on Wednesday, June 30, whichever occurs soonest. With restrictions lifted, the state will shift to a focus on helping Oregonians and communities recover from the impacts and the economic toll of the pandemic.
- Some statewide mask requirements may stay in place in specialized settings following federal guidance, including airports, public transit, and health care settings.
- The Governor’s recovery order will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, unless terminated earlier.
Although this is a positive sign that we are headed in the right direction, it is important to continue maximizing community vaccinations in order to protect vulnerable communities and limit the impact and severity of contracting COVID-19 and various variants circulating .You can sign up to get vaccinated here. More detailed information about the plan is available here.
I am proud of the transformative legislation that the Legislature has passed that will bring millions of dollars to HD 45 and communities across the state. Assistance for vulnerable Oregonians who have been impacted especially hard throughout the pandemic is on its way. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the bills that recently crossed the finish line this session:
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HB 2544, a bill I chief sponsored successfully passed this session. This legislation will give our unaccompanied and unhoused youth the comprehensive support they need to feel cared for and safe. Here’s a look at what this $3.6 million investment means for our kids |
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The House unanimously passed SB 278, which will provide a safe harbor from eviction for tenants who have applied for and are waiting on rental assistance after the eviction moratorium expires on June 30. |
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Two important bills to protect our immigrant and refugee communities passed last week and are awaiting signature from the governor. HB 3265, the Sanctuary Promise Act prohibits local law enforcement from using local resources for federal immigration enforcement. Additionally, SB 778 establishes the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement within the Office of the Governor to advocate for and partner with statewide immigrant and refugee programs and long-term support services to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee populations in Oregon. |
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As a strong supporter of legislation that would reduce the impact of climate change and protect our natural resources, I was glad to support HB 2357 this session. This bill will help support forest management and practices that protect our natural resources. |
Record temperatures are expected to contine across the state. It is especially important to look out for your friends, neighbors and loved ones who may be especially vulnerable to high temperatures. There will be multiple cooling centers and libraries open throughout the county that you can go to. The links below are helpful resources to keep you and your family safe:
Click here for local cooling centers and resources in Multnomah County
Click here for tips from the American Red Cross about heat and wildfire safety
Click here for information from Portland General Electric, including how to prepare an emergency outage kit.
Please reach out to my office if you have any additional questions, or if there’s anything you think I could help with.
Sincerely,
 Representative Barbara Smith Warner
House District 45
email: Rep.BarbaraSmithWarner@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1445
address: 900 Court St NE, H-295, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithwarner
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