Capitol Building Reopens

For more than a year, the Capitol in Salem has been closed to the public as we all worked together to limit the spread of COVID-19. It was the safe and right thing to do, but I know I’m not alone in saying that I have missed seeing your faces in the hallways and hearing rooms of the building.

Thanks to the hard work of public health professionals, community organizations, and Oregonians around the state choosing to protect themselves and their loved ones, we have reached the 70% mark of vaccination rate among those 18 and older. This is another important step forward in returning to a pre-pandemic normal and expanding parts of public life we have put on pause for the last 15 months, including reopening the Capitol.

I invite you to read this statement from Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek on the building’s expanded entry. Parts of the Capitol are currently under construction, but you can find information about tours, Capitol Store hours, and more in the press release.

Wildfire Preparedness

Last year, Oregon saw historic wildfires that devastated communities and left most of the state under thick smoke cover. This year is already proving to be another challenging year with the largest wildfire in the country currently burning northwest of Klamath Falls, and Oregon and Washington entering the top wildfire preparedness level. That’s why it’s more important than ever to practice good fire safety and preparedness. As we head out to spend time with loved ones hiking and camping in Oregon’s natural summer beauty, or even just gather for a backyard barbecue, I encourage you to review the Oregon Department of Forestry’s tips on fire prevention. It’s also a good idea to spend some time reviewing your emergency preparedness plan. Find tips on emergency kits, evacuation plans, and more from the Office of Emergency Management. Consider that wildfires have impacts on aspects of both physical and mental health. If you or a loved one has asthma or another respiratory condition, read up on maintaining indoor air quality, and pick up some N95 masks. Take care of one another, and remember that it’s always alright to ask for help. Thank you for doing what you can to keep yourselves and our community safe and thriving.

Expanded Child Tax Credit

Beginning today, more than 400,000 families in Oregon will begin receiving monthly checks of up to $300 as part of the American Rescue Plan Child Tax Credit. The expanded Child Tax Credit is a major step forward in tackling child poverty. Under the American Rescue Plan, all working families will receive the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent. That means $3,000-$3,600 for nearly all working families between now and the end of the year.

This expansion comes at a crucial time as we recover and reopen after the challenges of COVID-19 response over the past year. It even has the potential to lift more than five million kids out of poverty. Learn more about the expanded Child Tax Credit here.

Capitol Phone:  503-986-1707    District Phone:  541-321-5082
Capitol Address:  900 Court St. NE, S-205, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email:  sen.jamesmanning@oregonlegislature.gov

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