PRESS RELEASE - JUNE 26 - SINE DIE

Representative Boshart Davis recaps 2021 Legislative Session

SALEM, Ore. – SALEM, Ore. – Today the Oregon Legislature officially adjourned the 2021 Legislative Session.

The six-month long session was unlike any in history. Due to the building being physically closed to the public, the people’s work was conducted mostly online in virtual committee hearings. Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is recognizing the adjournment of this unusual session by highlighting important work to benefit all Oregonians.

Much of Rep. Boshart Davis’ attention this session was focused on redistricting, and this work is far from over. It is more important than ever given news that Oregon has gained a congressional seat and will now have six U.S. Congressmembers.

This year, Rep. Boshart Davis was elevated to co-chair of the House Committee on Redistricting and will continue to work through the summer on this critical issue as required by the Constitution to ensure that district lines fairly represent communities they represent.

“Many national redistricting experts have listed our state as high risk of gerrymandering. I believe this committee can prove them wrong by holding the most fair and transparent redistricting process following the Constitution and Oregon Statute. It is important each Oregonian has equal representation. I can't stress enough the importance of speaking up and lending your voice to the next round of redistricting hearings in September,” said Rep. Boshart Davis, Co-Chair of the House Redistricting Committee.

In addition to redistricting, below are important bills Rep. Boshart Davis supported to benefit House District 15 and the people of Oregon:

• HB 2247 A – Alleviates burdens for property owners who show that they were severely burdened by wildfires and/or COVID-19 hardships by allowing County Commissioners to waive interest on their delinquent real property taxes.
• HB 3399 – Commits Oregon schools to fully reopening for the option of in-person instruction by the Fall of 2021.
• SB 649 – “Bailey’s Bill” – Provides better protections to students by holding teachers to the same standard as coaches regarding sexual abuse.
• HB 3139 – Addresses the alarming rise in suicidal ideation among children by encouraging mental health providers to disclose relevant information to a parent if a minor is at risk of attempting suicide.
• HB 2341 and HB 2607 – Supports Oregonians recovering from wildfires by making it easier to rebuild their homes.
• HB 2638 – Common-sense liability protections for small businesses.
• HB 2631 – Would ensure schools have policies in place to notify parents about instances of bullying.
• SB 278 – Extends eviction protections for tenants who applied for renter’s assistance. An added amendment will also allow property owners to receive the full amount of past rent due, rather than mandating that they forgive 20 percent as required by previous legislation.
• HB 2954 minority report – Would have provided Oregon families with more school choice to give students the opportunity to receive education in a way that best suits them.
• HB 2713 - Limits Governor's ability to exercise authority conferred on Governor during declared state of emergency to no more than 60 days' duration, unless Legislative Assembly authorizes continued state of emergency.

To learn more about redistricting, visit https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting.

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Full online version of Press Release - June 26

RED CROSS: Evacuation Locations,

Readiness, Volunteering, and Blood Donations

FROM THE RED CROSS - JULY 1:

The last few days across the Cascades Region of Oregon and Southwest Washington, we experienced record breaking temperatures and elevated wildfire risk. Unfortunately, early information from the State of Oregon indicates 63 potential deaths to the heat wave. Washington state and cities in Canada are also reporting a number of deaths as well.

The Red Cross worked together with Emergency Managers across the Region to plan for both the threat to life with much of the Pacific Northwest households and infrastructure not equipped with air conditioning and the high probability of wildfires. Actions by local officials, the Red Cross, and community-based groups may have saved lives.

The Red Cross continues to support requests across the region ranging from material support such as water, snacks, cots and blankets to Red Cross staff to manage and/or support day-use Cooling Centers and Overnight shelters. Over 180 Red Cross volunteers have supported the efforts thus far.

In the last 24-48 hours 18 wildfires have started in Oregon. As a result, the Red Cross set up of Temporary Evacuation Points (TEP) and a shelter in Central Oregon for evacuated residents.  We are continuing to “lean forward” in our preparedness and response posture to be able to quickly respond to events. Red Flag Warnings are in affect for much of Eastern and Southern Oregon with wind gusts and lightning strikes expected both today and tomorrow. Coupled with the July 4th holiday and the increased risk of human caused fires.

As we head into the 4th of July Holiday weekend and in coordination with Gov. Brown’s recent State of Emergency Declaration, we wanted to share with you our Region’s readiness efforts:

• A disaster response operation was stood up last week and remains in place currently to the Extreme Heat Event and Red Flag warnings coordinating sheltering, logistics and workforce needs throughout Oregon and Southern Washington.
• Several dedicated Shelter Strike Teams from across the US are on the ground and pre-positioned ready to stand-up shelters and supplement local volunteers when the need arises.
• We are in regular communication with Emergency Management partners across the Region to work through local needs.
• We still have a critical nationwide shortage of blood. Due to this past weekend’s severe heat, 20% of the scheduled blood donors in Oregon and Washington did not show for their appointment.

We are asking for your help:

Please follow us on Facebook & Twitter for the most recent Red Cross disaster updates such as Disaster Preparedness info and shelter locations you can share to your constituents

Help us recruit volunteers in your community. Send them to www.redcross.org  

Please help us promote the need for blood at a local blood drive through search by your zip code at www.RedCrossBlood.org

FIREWORKS DURING A DROUGHT: Safety First

FROM THE CITY OF ALBANY:

Albany's first responders would like you to think twice about using fireworks this year, even legal ones. Oregon is already in drought conditions and Albany is no exception. Even in the city, ignition sources like fireworks and dry conditions are a bad mix.

While there is no fireworks ban in-place in Albany at this time, police and fire personnel will be out in the community and will respond as resources allow. Only call 911 for active fires or other emergencies. If you are calling about fireworks, please use 541-917-7680.

If you choose to use legal fireworks this year, be a good neighbor to our pets and vets who may struggle with fireworks. Also keep used fireworks out of our water system by disposing of any debris safely in the trash and not in our storm or wastewater drains.

Thank you for thinking of our community first and have a happy and safe holiday weekend.

More firework safety tips and information from USA.gov

HAPPY (AND SAFE) CAMPING!

FROM LINN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:

Linn County Sheriff Yon offers holiday safety tips

As mid-valley residents head out to area campgrounds to enjoy the 4th of July weekend, Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon offers some tips to help keep your belongings safe:

• Lock your vehicle. When venturing off on an early morning hike, lock your personal belongings out of sight in your vehicle or better yet, carry them with you. If you are tent camping, valuables can easily be stolen.
• Get an extra set of eyes. If you leave your campsite for a day trip, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on it for you.
• Lock items to a tree. If you have an expensive grill or bikes, secure them with a cable locked around a nearby tree.
• Properly store your food. Thieves can also take the form of furry critters. Store your food in airtight containers. This not only keeps it fresh it prevents animals from noticing its scent and raiding your campsite.
• Keep an eye on Mother Nature. Mother Nature can quickly whip up a summer storm. Make sure your belongings are properly secured. Store expensive items in your car or RV. Properly stake items to help keep them secure from strong winds.
• Dry your gear during the day. If you have expensive camping gear that needs to air out, do it during the day. Never assume you can leave it out overnight and expect it to be there in the morning.
• Leave it at home. Camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Leave the tablet or laptop at home and enjoy a simpler life.

Linn County Sheriff's Non-emergency phone number: (541) 967-3950

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A HUGE thanks to all of the local

law enforcement agencies serving our community!

MID-WILLAMETTE YMCA:

News About Reopening

FROM MID-WILLAMETTE FAMILY YMCA:

OREGON REOPENING!

As you may have heard, Oregon is set to open no later than June 30th. Once that is final at the state level, it is our understanding that decisions on restrictions will be put into the hands of the individual counties. At this time, we don't know what that will look like, or when it will go into effect. 

We are as excited to return to normal as you are, and will communicate with you through email and social media as we respond to the information as it becomes available. 

More information

OREGON IS OPEN: What to Expect

70% of Oregon adults 18 years and older have now received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, the Oregon Health Authority announced on Friday.   What is Different? Click here to read full article from the Oregonian Workplace guidance from OSHA Face covering guidance from OSHA

OREGON DMV: 3 Simple Ways to Get Services

FROM ODOT/DMV:

Below is a summary of the 3 primary ways you can access DMV services. I’ll also note that there are no restrictions on which services are offered in field offices. You may bring your vehicle title and registration transactions, in addition to your driver license-related transactions.

1. Visit DMV2U – DMV now has over 20 online services, including driver license and ID card renewal. Visit oregon.gov for more information;
2. Make an appointment – If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, schedule an appointment at your nearest field office, by visiting oregon.gov, or calling 503-945-5000;
3. Visit a standby line – All DMV field offices are taking standby customers. Just visit your local field office and grab your place in line. We’ll call you up when it’s your turn.

"STAND BY ME DAY"

Returns to Brownsville - July 23

FROM THE LINN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM:

"Stand By Me Day" returns to Brownsville July 23

BROWNSVILLE — After last year’s pandemic hiatus, “Stand By Me Day” will return to Brownsville on July 23.

“It will be a smaller scale event due continuing restrictions and uncertainties, but some fun can still be had for the myriad fans of this well-loved movie,” said volunteer Barbara Andersen.

The main event will be an enhanced, self-guided walking tour of the film locations. Bring your smart phone and you will be able to access additional stories, videos, and fun facts as you tour the sites.”

Check in at the Linn County Historical Museum, 101 Park Ave., and pick up a map with QR codes and some additional links to fun videos. 

While there you can also shop a variety of fun souvenirs and get your tickets to watch the movie in the 29-seat Box Car Theatre. Don’t miss the museum’s brand-new Stand By Me exhibit in progress. 

The museum and souvenir sales will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., but tours can take place at any time. 

Maps will also be available at local merchants and the Brownsville Art Center. 

Visitors may find a few picture cars sprinkled around and possibly come across some wandering minstrels singing movie tunes. 

This is the 36th anniversary of the release of the movie that has dedicated fans all from over the world.

For more information contact: Linn County Historical Museum, lchm@co.linn.or.us or call 541-466-3390.

ROCK OUT AGAINST HUNGER:

Begins July 6

FROM RIVER RHYTHMS AND THE CITY OF ALBANY:

Let’s Rock out Against Hunger!

We have some great ways for you to give that help support River Rhythms but more importantly help support our community. We have partnered with our good friends at Oregon Freeze Dry to help fight hunger! Hunger is closer than you think and during this difficult time, hunger issues have increased dramatically.

Purchase one of our personalized concert signs that will be prominently displayed at the 2021 River Rhythms Concerts! A portion of every sign sale goes directly to Fish of Albany, Inc. This is a great way to memorialize a River Rhythms fan, or someone who has attended every concert (we know there are a few of you out there!).

You can also donate canned or nonperishable food at the concerts. Bring your food to any (or all) of the River Rhythms concerts this year – there will be collection barrels at each of the entry locations around the park.

We heard many of you say you want to give to keep the concerts going and we love that! Let give to keep concerts and the community going! Check out our website for more information or to purchase a personalized sign. 

Let’s end hunger one concert at a time!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF ALBANY:

Ron Loney Open - July 16

FROM BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF ALBANY:

Join us for the 6th Annual Ron Loney Open, brought to you by Frank and Linda Morse. This year we will be at Trysting Tree Golf Club. Our event is a four-person scramble with scheduled tee times.

There will be a lunch provided by our gracious sponsors, Dennis and Charlene Smallwood. We will announce awards virtually after the tournament has concluded to help maintain social distancing during the event.

Tee times are 7 minutes apart and we encourage teams to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their tee time to check in, warm-up, and participate in some competitive games. You may arrive earlier as well to socialize with other participants. Please help us and the golf course by following all current guidelines for socializing and COVID.

7:30am Check-In Opens (for first group)

8:00am First Tee Time (7minutes apart thereafter for each group)

12:00pm Lunch Opens (for first groups)

First half of teams will take lunch at the end of their round. Last half of teams should plan to take their lunch at the turn.

Please use a link to purchase a single or team entry at https://bgc-albany.org/golf/

Or email mckena.roberts@bgc-albany.org to register.

If you have registered and would like to schedule a tee time, please email mckena.roberts@bgc-albany.org to secure your tee time.

LINN COUNTY FAIR: Needs You!

Linn County Fair needs part-time help! The Linn County Fair needs 12 people to direct vehicles in the parking lot July 15-17, according to Fair & Expo Center Director Randy Porter. The parking team works 8-hour shifts and flexes between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Porter said he can use two employees on July 13 and 14 as well as on the actual fair dates. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age. Call Porter at 541-926-4314 Click here for more information about the Linn County Fair

Friends and family, I hope you and yours have a safe and happy 4th of July celebration!

It has been my honor to serve you this 2021 session. During this legislative session break and for the rest of this year, my office will continue to keep you updated and informed - and is always at your service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.

Stay cool in the hot weather and have a great Summer!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis