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Friends,
A year ago, we were in the midst of historic wildfires throughout our state. The Labor Day Beachie Creek / Lionshead wildfires forever changed our Santiam Canyon. History will record the details – the fire that barreled down Hwy 22, the heroic efforts of our sheriff’s department, the lives lost and so much more.
Today I want to reflect on the resiliency of the people and communities in the Canyon. Just last weekend I attended the “Heart of the Canyon” event and listened to the stories of many individuals and families that fled their homes and businesses. And what stuck me was the determination to continue in what seems like an incredible “up hill climb.”
Over the course of this year I have deemed the Santiam Canyon - Salem’s Backyard. While HD19 was not directly impacted with lost of structures or life due to the wildfires, many of us have family, friends, and loved places in the Canyon. It’s our backyard and as such our responsibility to see that it comes back to life. We know that this will take time and money, from all arenas and for several years to come. The Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund is active helping families and individuals monetarily as they continue to raise money to reach their goal of 5 million dollars. With the one-year anniversary of this historic catastrophic natural disaster it seems fitting to support the fund. If you are so inclined, you may find a link at the end of this newsletter.
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The state has made large monetary investments in wildfire relief as well. The first one being the September 25, 2020 E-Board allocation of $10 million to the Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to fill gaps for costs not covered by insurance and FEMA. We urge all of those who have lost their homes to please first work with your insurance agent and FEMA to obtain all benefits and support. Our most recent legislative session had several bills past that will make recovery easier for people: HB 2247 A, HB 2341, HB 2607, and wildfire mitigation funding for impacted communities with the 2019-2021 budget rebalance bill.
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Redistricting
The initial set of maps for reapportionment of our legislative districts were released on Friday the 3rd. Please follow this link to the meeting materials which provide maps provided by both House Republicans and House Democrats.
On Wednesday the 8th at 6:30 I will be hosting a Your District Your Voice where we can discuss the congressional and HD19 maps and ensure you know how to share your thoughts and opinions with the Redistricting Committee. Please register here.
In addition, mark your calendars for Redistricting House 2021-2022 Interim - Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov) That will next take place on September 8th at 8am.
Your participation is strongly encouraged for both meetings.
To view the statewide maps please visit: Redistricting Proposals and Submissions (Downloads) (esriemcs.com)
The final steps for this legislative process will be for the House and Senate to adopt maps at the upcoming Special Session, slated to begin Monday, September 20, 2021. Details will be forth coming. It is completely anticipated that the maps you see now will not be the final maps. Your participation in this once in a 10-year process is instrumental to ensure that all Oregonians have balanced representation in the Capitol.
On this Labor Day, I hope you enjoy time with family and friends as we celebrate the dedication of all those who work daily to provide and care for one another.
In the interim if we can be of help to you as you navigate your state government please 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. Please be safe.
All my best, rmg
 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
Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund | Locally managed 501c3
It is with great optimism and hope that the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund was established on September 11, 2020.
Ther mission is to support residents living in the Santiam Canyon who are affected by Lionshead and Beachie Creek wildfires by raising funds to provide relief, support the recovery and clean up, and assist in the rebuild of our communities including Idanha, Breitenbush, Detroit, Niagara, Gates, Mill City, Lyons, and Mehama, Oregon.
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