August 26, 2021

Friends -

Monday the 23^rd turned out to be a busy news day around the Capitol. We learned that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for COVID19 and that our redistricting meetings will now be virtual.

The House Speaker and Senate President announced that the public hearings on redistricting will change from in-person events to a virtual format due to the current wave of COVID-19 cases. We have become accustom to a shifting landscape and while we can no longer meet in-person for this important process, the opportunity to provide your thoughts and concerns is still intact. We know that face-to-face interactions convey so much more than what we experience virtually. At the same time, we need to acknowledge the virus loves a large crowd.

As my colleague and chair of the House Redistricting Committee, Rep. Boshart-Davis, stated - “I encourage everyone who was planning to attend to sign up for these virtual hearings and to share with your friends and neighbors. Your comments made on the record will have the same weight and importance for legislators as we continue this process. I look forward to working with my fellow co-chair and committee members to maximize the opportunities for individuals to testify so that we don’t lose any voices by switching to an online platform.”

Oregonians can learn more about redistricting at this link and sign up to testify when the agendas for the virtual hearings are finalized: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting

The new schedule for the September Redistricting Public Hearings can be found below.

Wednesday, September 8:

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 1)
• 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 2)
• 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 3)

Thursday, September 9:

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 4)
• 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 5)
• 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 1)

Friday, September 10:

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 2)
• 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 3)
• 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (residents of Congressional District 4)

Monday, September 13:

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (residents of Congressional District 5)
• 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (statewide: open to residents of any district)
• 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (statewide: open to residents of any district)

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. 

Vaccine Updates

Earlier this week the federal government gave full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. For those who have been waiting for the vaccine to no longer be experimental, as you consider vaccination, I hope this helps your decision. I would also like to take this opportunity to urge OHA to consider testing individuals that have had COVID19 for antibodies and including these numbers in our calculations for herd immunity. I believe this is an important factor as we look forward in Oregon’s recovery.

To find an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine please visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/find-covid-19-vaccine.

Mandates

Over the last two weeks, Governor Brown has reinstated a number of mandates for Oregonians due to Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) reporting that COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The most recent announcement, as of the writing of this newsletter, is that masks are now required in all indoor and outdoor public settings. Effective Friday, August 27, masks will be required in most public outdoor settings, including large outdoor events, where physical distancing is not possible, and regardless of vaccination status. OHA also strongly recommends masking for outdoor gatherings at private residences when individuals from different households do not consistently maintain physical distance.

As a state legislator, it’s my responsibility to share information and resources with you without bias and with full transparency, and I try my best to always do so.

The health and safety of Oregonians is a top priority, and we all need to do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and in particular the Delta variant. Vaccines remain an effective choice in the effort to curtail the virus.

As I have repeatedly stated, mandates rarely work for all. Health decisions are highly personal and individualized. Oregonians should continue to have the ability to make their own health care decisions.

I have been and will continue to be supportive of taking every step possible to slow the spread of COVID-19, to keep each other safe and healthy, and to thoughtfully re-open our state for business and our schools for our kids. I’ve shared many of those recommendations and resources over the last year.

This is not where any of us had hoped to be at this stage and I recognize this is another challenging transition after an extremely fatiguing year. I ask you to join me in committing to being patient with each other and to supporting our families, students, small businesses and communities however we can.

My inbox overflows with feedback from House District 19 constituents with regards to these mandates, and much more. I am listening and sharing with the Governor what you are telling me and I will continue to advocate on your behalf.  

For information on the current mandates in effect, please visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-face-coverings.

In the interim, please know that if we can be of help to you as you navigate your state government call or email. My door is always open and my staff, Pam McClain, Lena Prine, and I welcome your participation. As your state representative, I am here to listen, respond, and lead.

All my best,

Raquel Moore-Green
Representative, HD 19 South Salem, Turner and Aumsville

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1419
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.RaquelMooreGreen@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/moore-green

Trivia Question:

What County in Oregon, named for a President of the United States, has a county seat named for the Vice President who served under the President for whom the county is named?

answer at bottom

Vital Records Fees for Oregonians Affected by the Oregon Wildfires    

 Oregonians who have been affected by the wildfires still need assistance getting certified copies of vital records. To help these families, the Oregon Health Authority will provide certified copies of vital records free of charge starting June 1, 2021 through October 28, 2021 to Oregonians affected by the Oregon wildfires.     

There will be no fee charged for a search and issuance of up to three (3) certified copies of a birth, death, marriage, divorce, domestic partnership or dissolution of domestic partnership record if the search or issuance is requested in connection with Oregon Wildfires. Customers may order up to three (3) certificates of each type of record at no charge.    

This will be effective June 1, 2021 through October 28, 2021.    

The no fee charge applies for certified copies - ordered through the State Vital Records Office and all County Vital Records offices. In the “Reason for needing record” section on the order form, customers and funeral homes must list “Oregon Wildfires” to receive the records free of charge.    

Please remember that County Vital Records office must charge the same fees as the state. The fee is $0 for up to three (3) certified copies of vital records issued June 1, 2021 through October 28, 2021 to Oregonians affected by the Oregon wildfires.    

Welcoming Rep. Chris Goodwin, HD2 Amid all the restrictions, mandates, sadness, and stress that we are all feeling, it was a delight to attend the swearing in of our newest House member, Rep. Chris Goodwin yesterday the 25th of August. Rep. Goodwin replaces Rep. Gary Leif who passed last month after a long battle with cancer.  Rep. Goodwin shown in these pictures - is being sworn in by Chief Justice Chris Garrett, with her husband Lynn at her side; and next to former House Speaker Bruce Hanna, and Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman. Good day for southern Oregon!

Redistricting

The process of redistricting is well underway this year. Required by the constitution once every ten years, redistricting ensures that political boundaries reflect population changes. One major development this year is that Oregon officially earned a sixth congressional seat, increasing our representation in Congress.

It's vital that Oregonians take part in the process of redistricting because of the impact it has on a variety of issues. Not only will legislators determine where to put Oregon’s sixth congressional seat, but all congressional and state legislative lines are subject to change. This affects who our elected officials can be for the next ten years, and influences local funding for things like emergency services, schools, and transportation.

That’s why you’re encouraged to take part in several public meetings across the state that will be held by the House and Senate Redistricting Committees. Your concerns can greatly influence how maps are drawn, and without your participation it will be harder to draw district lines that accurately reflect your interests. Oregon is at a high risk of gerrymandering this year which would favor one political party over another. Strong public participation can greatly reduce this risk.

House Republicans and House Democrats have an equal number of Representatives on the House Redistricting Committee and will be focused on the following statutory criteria per ORS188.010 to ensure a fair and honest process:

(1) Each district, as nearly as practicable, shall:

      (a) Be contiguous;

      (b) Be of equal population;

      (c) Utilize existing geographic or political boundaries;

      (d) Not divide communities of common interest; and

      (e) Be connected by transportation links.

(2) No district shall be drawn for the purpose of favoring any political party, incumbent legislator or other person.

(3) No district shall be drawn for the purpose of diluting the voting strength of any language or ethnic minority group.

(4) Two state House of Representative districts shall be wholly included within a single state senatorial district.

To learn more about redistricting or one of the public meetings nearest you, visit: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting

Now Closed - the Senate and House wings (all floors), Capitol garage, hearing rooms A-F and Terrace: Do not enter these areas. They are now active construction zones and contain many dangerous materials. South entry doors, hearing rooms A-F and the adjacent hallway will be closed July 1, 2021 – August 2021  A construction wall has been built on the south end of the Galleria.  This wall will block access to hearing rooms A-F and the adjacent hallway that connects the Senate and House wings on the 1st floor.  All three south entrances from State Street will be closed.  Please see the attached document titled “CAMS II Impact through 01.2022.pdf” depicting locations of the closed areas. Senate and House wings (all 4 floors) will be closed July 10, 2021 – December 31, 2021.  All offices in the Senate and House wings will be inaccessible during this time.   Oregon Employment Department Updates The Return to Work page on the OED website is continually updated with the latest information on our work to support Oregon workers and claimants, including: federal programs ending; re-established work search requirements; job search assistance; and a series of other programs that are available to your community.

Trivia Answer:

Polk County was named after President James K. Polk, who was an advocate of annexation of the Oregon Country. The county seat of Polk County is Dallas, named for George Dallas, who served as Polk's Vice President. The other Oregon counties named for U.S. Presidents are Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington.

Thanks to the Oregon Historical Society for the fun question!