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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Work is really starting to ramp back up quickly as we head towards a possible Special Session and Legislative Committee Days in mid-September! As a co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, one of my interim projects has been to evaluate airport masterplanning in the state of Oregon. To do so, I've been talking with the State Directors of Aviation/Aeronautics in seven Western states to see how they conduct masterplanning and what we might potentially learn from them. It's been really interesting work and I always love the opportunity to share policy ideas across states - that's how we learn!
This week I tuned into the weekly fire season briefing provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshall to hear good news for the first time in a long while. It is nice to be able to feel optimistic about current fire prevention plans, the weather conditions, and also the fire containment activities on the ground. The Tillamook State Forest fire has been completely contained and is being mopped up, and roads and campsites are beginning to open back up. I am so thankful for all the hard work that our Fire Fighters have put into this Season and here's hoping that the remainder of the year is uneventful.
Oregon's latest revenue forecast was released today and the best word to describe our current economic standing is 'steady'. We are still in recovery from the concurrent crises of the last 18 months, but our recovery continues to be strong. Oregonians will receive almost $1.9 billion back from the kicker next year and almost $847 million more will go to K-12 schools. You can read more about the forecast here.
Continuing the good news trend, the Food and Drug Administration officially approved the Pfizer vaccine this week. I am hopeful that this approval will help motivate some folks who are on the fence to go out and get a vaccine. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for us to control the spread of the Delta variant. Healthcare workers across the state are calling on the public for help as ERs and ICUs fill to capacity. Let's help them help us by masking up and getting vaccinated!
The Legislative Redistricting Committee announced this week that the public hearings for redistricting will be virtual due to COVID-19 concerns. I have a detailed section below on the importance of redistricting and how you can participate. Please take a moment to read about the process and how you can contribute to the drawing of our new legislative districts.
I am really looking forward to my next Town Hall, via Zoom on August 31st at 6pm. The focus will be a discussion on issues important to the Latinx community. I have reports to share from the last Session on topics I believe the BIPOC community can celebrate, but I truly want to make this your Town Hall and I want to make this a complete conversation. Translation service available. You can register in advance here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsceqhqTMjGNC3jEF_PuNaBch5Jx9_rAu2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. I look forward to seeing you there!
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REDISTRICTING
In response to growing hospitalization rates across the state due to the Delta variant, the upcoming public hearings of the House and Senate Redistricting Committees will be moved to a virtual format.
The new schedule for the September Redistricting Public Hearings can be found below. Meetings will be held virtually and organized to hear from residents of each current congressional district. Oregonians can participate by signing up for video or phone testimony, uploading written testimony, or by submitting a map for consideration by September 7.
If you live in Washington County, you are in Congressional District 1. If you live outside of Washington County, find your congressional district here (enter your address in the top-right corner and click the “Congress” tab): https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/FindYourLegislator/leg-districts.html.
For more information on redistricting or how to participate, visit www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting.
About Redistricting
Based on the Census data, every 10-years states will redraw electoral lines to better reflect population shifts and growth, as well as changes in demographics to ensure fair and equal representation in government and allocation of resources. In Oregon the state legislature will redraw the electoral lines using the Census data and with input from public testimony.
Redistricting is important because it is about building the infrastructure for us to have a representative democracy. How a district is drawn will impact how communities' voices are reflected and represented in our governments, as well as the diversity of candidates who run for office, in addition to funding and policies passed.
Redistricting can change your life. Testify and make your voice heard.
House District 29 has seen tremendous growth over the last 10 years and will likely be altered from what it looks like today. It is so important to sign up to testify and have your voice heard. Share with the committee what makes your neighborhood or area special and why it should remain together as a whole.
From schools to healthcare, transportation lines, funding for housing and emergency support for issues like wildfires, redistricting determines how resources are allocated and to which communities based on representation. This is why it’s important that we receive as much public input and testimony as possible. We need to hear from you to make sure we’re keeping communities of interest together and ensure every person has fair representation.
We are dedicated to a transparent and public process that ensures the lines drawn reflect the diversity of communities of interest in our state.
Lifting the voices of Oregonians can only happen through a commitment to a fair and transparent process that ensures lines are accurately drawn. The legislature will be drawing from the Census data and public testimony from people like you.
Redistricted maps must reflect all of Oregon and be based in a public process that includes the voices of those who have historically been excluded, including low-income, rural, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We need to focus on representation, the sacred principle of one person one vote, upholding the voting rights act and other legal requirements to ensure that Oregon’s new congressional and legislative lines reflect the diversity of communities of interest in our state.
Get involved! Testify! Your voice matters! We need all communities and voices at the table. The lines drawn will impact policy for the next 10-years.
Oregonians can participate by signing up for video or phone testimony, uploading written testimony, or by submitting a map for consideration by September 7.
For more information on redistricting or how to participate, visit www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting.
COVID-19 UPDATES
I wish I had better news to report but Oregon recorded its highest case numbers and highest hospitalization numbers again this week. The Oregon Health Authority on Tuesday reported 2,804 new coronavirus cases, 30 new deaths, and a record-breaking 1,000 Oregonians hospitalized with COVID-19. We also crossed a milestone that we all hoped we'd never meet; over 3,000 Oregonians have now died from COVID.
So many people are currently hospitalized due to COVID that emergency departments are under significant strain and the Oregon Health Authority is asking you to not visit an ER unless absolutely necessary. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, an urgent care center will help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain. If you require a COVID test, you can find a test here instead.
To help stop the spread of the Delta variant and bring relief to our hospitals, Governor Kate Brown has announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible. The rule will go into effect Friday, Aug. 27.
I've received quite a few letters questioning the value of wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID, and to those who wonder about the effectiveness of masks, I say mask up! Read more about the value of masks by visiting the Mayo Clinic's website.
I also wanted to take a moment to address the issue of breakthrough cases, as we are all worried about the possibility of getting COVID, even after taking the vaccine. The bottom line from the Center for Disease Control is that COVID-19 vaccines protect people against severe illness, including disease caused by Delta and other variants circulating in the U.S., but do not prevent the catching of COVID in 100% of cases. In Oregon over the last week, 14.4% of cases were considered breakthrough cases (OHA).
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According to the New York Times, the vast majority of vaccinated people who are hospitalized for Covid-19 are likely to be older adults or those who have weakened immune systems for other reasons. C.D.C. data show that 74 percent of breakthrough cases are among adults 65 or older.
Most states do not compile the numbers by age, sex or the presence of other conditions. But in Oregon, which does, the median age for a breakthrough-associated death is 83 years.
What We Know about Vaccine Breakthrough Infections
- Breakthrough infections are expected. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing most infections. However, like most vaccines, they are not 100% effective.
- Fully vaccinated people with a breakthrough infection are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.
- Even when fully vaccinated people develop symptoms, they tend to be less severe symptoms than in unvaccinated people. This means they are much less likely to be hospitalized or die than people who are not vaccinated.
- People who get vaccine breakthrough infections can be contagious.
Read more about breakthrough infections at the CDC website.
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VACCINE INFORMATION
As I mentioned in my introduction, we finally have full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine. I hope that if you have been on the fence about getting vaccinated, this news encourages you to consider getting one. Think of all the good that vaccines have done in eliminating deadly diseases like Small Pox and Polio!
I was pleased to see that there was a slight uptick in the number of Oregonians getting vaccinated! In Washington County, we are leading the state with 77.8% of all residents 18+ vaccinated! This is a figure that I am very proud of and I hope you are too!
REMINDER ON BOOSTERS: The CDC has new guidance out on when and if you need a booster shot. The CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC also recommends that ANYONE who took either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, get a booster shot 8 months after their second dose. The booster shots will be free and available anywhere that you can get an initial shot. For information on where to get a vaccine in Washington County, please continue reading below.
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Washington Co. Vaccine Information: Every Oregonian age 12 and up is eligible for a vaccine. Twelve to 14 year-olds must be accompanied by either a parent, guardian or someone designated by the parent. If someone other than a parent or guardian accompanies the 12 to 14-year-old, they will need to provide proof of parental/guardian consent.
Proof of consent is either:
- A signed consent form (available in English and Spanish on the All4OR.org site)
- A written or typed note that includes the parent/guardians name, relationship to the young adult, their date of birth, a statement saying they consent to young adult being vaccinated and the parent/guardian signature.
Fifteen-year-olds do not need to be accompanied, and do not require parental consent in the state of Oregon.
NEW! Washington County's Mobile Vaccination Van: Our van is traveling the county to make it easier for people to get the vaccine close to where they live or shop. Find the schedule here.
Beaverton Resource Center: Most Fridays from July 16 through September 24. See the flier for exact dates and times. Pfizer for ages 12 and older. Located at 13565 SW Walker Road.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers: All vaccination events are open to the community, do not require an appointment, and do not require you to be a Virginia Garcia patient. You do not have to have insurance in order to receive a vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you. Remember, vaccines are free!
Local pharmacies: As of April 27, 2021, pharmacies are required to offer second/boost doses to people who received their first dose somewhere else.
How much does the vaccine cost? Vaccines are provided free of charge to the recipient. If you have health insurance, you may be asked to provide that information so the vaccinator can bill your insurance an administration fee.
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME IN WASHCO!
As a teacher of over 42 years, this time of year is special to me. The new school year brings with it a level of excitement that is not easily replicated throughout the year as students and teachers are very happy to see each other after the long break. This year is especially important after the challenges of the last 17 months and the difficulties that came with virtual schooling. We are united in our goal to keep kids in school for the entire school year. We need vaccinated teachers and students wearing masks in order for kids to have a successful in-person experience. For some tips on mask wearing for your kids, continue reading below. I have also included the list of back-to-school supplies that the Hillsboro School District provided and will share Forest Grove's list when it is posted. I hope the first day back brings joy to all the students and teachers out there - I know it always did for me.
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Tips for Preparing Children to Mask up at School
From the Oregon Health Authority
A lot of us have been wearing masks for a while. If you have kids over age two, chances are they're great at it too.
As parents, we're asked to do a lot to keep our kids safe. It's been especially true through this pandemic. It is normal to feel anxious, unsure and tired. With school starting so soon, it's okay to feel uncertain about how to talk to kids about masking. OHA’s statewide rule for 2021-22 school year requires face coverings in all indoor school settings, both public and private, for all people two years and older, including all students, staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors.
Here are some tips to support your kids to feel confident in choosing to mask up at school:
- Kids pick up on our moods even before we’re aware of them. Having a talk with your kids about their feelings and worries is a great first step. Acknowledging those emotions and working together helps everyone feel supported.
- By now, your kids know why wearing a mask is important. (Thank you so much!) Kids love helping. For younger kids, try and find the positive reasons why wearing a mask is important.
- Model masking yourself and through others by talking about other heroes who wear masks. Heroes like doctors and nurses and health care professionals wear masks! Your kids may respond best to superheroes or cartoon characters.
- Practice effective masking at home. Practice putting on and taking off masks in front of a mirror. Have fun adjusting the straps and nose pieces. Younger kids love playing teacher, you could do an art project together while wearing your masks.
- Encourage them and notice good masking behavior. No matter the age, let them know that you’re proud of them and that they should be proud of themselves! Thank them for being amazing helpers and friends.
- Prepare them for mask free times such as lunch or recess. Let your children know it’s okay to take off their masks when they’re eating and drinking with others. You’re already doing an amazing job teaching them to be comfortable with their bodies. A mask is just another side of it.
- Practice talking about masking: When at school, your kids will meet friends who have different ideas about masking. Be open and honest about your family culture and your feelings. Role-playing is a great way to problem solve and practice together. There are so many great and kind ways to build confidence in masking as a safe practice with statements like, “I like my mask. I feel safe with it on, and I hope you to feel safe with me too.” No matter what, let them know there are safe adults who will support them in school.
- Prepare yourself for the after-school check in. It’s okay to want to ask if they felt safe and if they had problems with their mask that you could solve together. Let it be a part of the conversation.
- Talk to your teacher about masking encouragement, enforcement and support. Honest conversations do so much and may help navigate all those emotions we’re feeling.
You can read more about wearing a mask at school here.
Back-to-School Supply Lists for Hillsboro School District
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WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Just a reminder that fire season is in effect on all forestland managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Fire danger varies by location so take some time to know before you go by checking ODF's fire restrictions page.
For those traveling between Western Washington County and the Coast, please know that effective Aug. 17, fire danger across the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests has been reduced to "high." This means that in the Tillamook State Forest, the Department of Forestry is re-opening roads in the eastern part of the forest to motorized traffic, re-opening some campgrounds, and allowing campfires only in campgrounds within ODF-installed fire rings. The following restrictions remain in place:
- Off-highway vehicle trails remain closed
- Campfires are still banned outside of developed campgrounds with ODF-installed rings
- Smoking is still prohibited
- Off Highway 26, motorized traffic by the public is still prohibited behind the fire gates on North Fork Wolf Creek Road, McGregor Road, and Music Road.
Note that all year long, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer rounds and exploding targets are prohibited on state-managed forestland.
Wildfire Recovery Resources
OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:
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Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
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Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
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Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
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Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
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Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
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U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
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U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
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Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
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Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
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SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
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State taxes (Oregon Dept. of Revenue) Phone: 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 TTY: All relay calls are accepted. Website: www.oregon.gov/dor
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Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
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Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
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Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
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Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
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Medical records - Call your doctor or your medical insurance company; medical and prescription records are tracked electronically.
The Governor’s office has put together a Wildfire Resources page that you can access from the Governor’s home page. It has links to many of the most important updates about the status of fires and resources for evacuees. This website will be updated regularly.
Legal Resources: Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Program, Oregon lawyers, through the Oregon State Bar, are partnering with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide legal assistance on FEMA claims, contract claims, insurance claims, landlord-tenant matters and more.
The Department of Forestry’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Overview has ongoing updates about firefighting efforts, damage reports, and more.
FEMA Updates: FEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Employers and Employees
The following list of resources is from Oregon’s Secretary of State’s Office. The fastest way to get in touch with the SOS team is by emailing business.sos@oregon.gov, using the “Need Help?” button found on most state agency websites or visiting www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness.
Education Links
Local Government
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-376, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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