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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It was a year ago yesterday that the Labor Day fires began and we marked the anniversary with  a 'Day of Remembrance' here in Oregon.  We honor the 9 lives lost and the homes, businesses, and towns that were destroyed.  I will never forget the color of the sky and the smell of smoke that permeated across most of the state.  I started my teaching career in the Phoenix/Talent area and the devastation there, and across the state, has been hard to comprehend.  I am proud though, of the way Oregonians came together and the work that we have done to rebuild since last year.  One lesson that I am taking away from our continued battle with wildfires is that we must be more prepared for natural disasters since climate change will continue to wreak havoc, not just here in the Northwest, but everywhere.  September is National Preparedness Month and I encourage all of you to have an evacuation plan for your family.  I have provided some tips for making your plan in this newsletter and I hope you will take some time to consider how prepared your family is.

This weekend also marks another devastating moment in our history - the attacks on 9/11.  It is hard to believe it was 20 years ago that we awoke on the West Coast to a nation changed.  This weekend I will be taking some time to remember all who lost their lives that day and in the subsequent years, whether from Cancer, PTSD, or the War on Terror.

As kids head back to school this week, we must continue to be vigilant about COVID-19.  Everyone wants the same thing; students in school for the entire year without having to revert to online classes.  I have provided some safety tips for parents and students in the 'Back-to-School' section below.

Redistricting hearings started today for our Congressional District, but there is still time to participate.  Check the schedule in the 'Redistricting' section to see when you can join the online conversation and have a say in how our community is represented.

I also want to take a moment to wish all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah a Happy Jewish New Year.  It is a time of inner renewal and contemplation, which we can all benefit from.  Take some time to appreciate your family, your friends, and your health.  Shana Tova!   I hope you all had a restful Labor Day weekend - I know I certainly did.  I really enjoyed time with family at my favorite place, the Oregon Coast.  I am feeling recharged and refreshed and am ready for upcoming work on redistricting, Legislative Days, and the potential Special Session.  I will also be holding another virtual Town Hall on September 18th and I welcome you all to attend.  You can register for the event at tinyurl.com/mclaintownhall or by clicking the flyer below.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

REDISTRICTING REMINDER

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.  Oregonians can participate by signing up for video or phone testimony, uploading written testimony, 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.    Question: Are the maps proposed by House Democrats, House Republicans, and Senate Democrats really that different from what we already have?   Answer: YES!   Please consider the following maps and compare their similarities and differences.  The first map shows the current lines of House District 29, which has Forest Grove, Cornelius, and West Hillsboro as communities of similar interests.  I am not making any claims about which maps are better or worse, but instead want to make the point that they are different and you have the opportunity to provide input on how you feel they should look by participating in one of the online hearings mentioned above!   Current House District 29 Map:

PLAN A: Presented by the Senate Democrats

The second map,  represents the proposed changes to House District 29 by the Oregon State Senate.  In general, it keeps Forest Grove, Cornelius, and West Hillsboro together, but also includes a large area to the North, an area that may have different communities of interest than the current ones under HD 29.

PLAN B: Presented by the House Republicans

This plan completely moves House District 29 east and broadens House District 30 to encompass parts of Forest Grove, Cornelius, and West Hillsboro, but cuts out a portion of farm land to the South.

PLAN C: Presented by the House Democrats  

This plan eliminates West Hillsboro from House District 29 and instead groups Forest Grove and Cornelius with communities to the north, like Gales Creek.

COVID-19 UPDATES 

The evidence continues to suggest that vaccinations are key to protecting against a serious or even deadly case of COVID-19.  Recent data from OHSU and OHA show that around 80% of COVID-19 deaths in Oregon during August occurred among unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated people. The evidence also shows that in August almost five in six of the known coronavirus cases were among the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated populations. Another benefit of the vaccine appears to be the reduction in occurrences of long COVID symptoms, also known as long haulers syndrome. A new study published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Sept. 1 finds vaccination not only reduces the risk of infection and severe symptoms, but significantly cuts the odds of experiencing long-term effects if you’re one of the few who experience a breakthrough infection.  And as kids under 12 head back to school, and are still unable to get vaccinated, we need to remember that the Delta variant is a much more serious risk to our children than previous strains. Children now represent more than a quarter -- or 26.8% -- of weekly Covid-19 cases nationwide, according to data released Tuesday from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).  It is so important that we protect those who cannot yet get vaccinated by masking up and getting vaccinated ourselves.

Hospital Capacity Update: 

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 1,140, which is 12 fewer than yesterday. There are 300 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 10 fewer than yesterday.

There are only 57 available adult ICU beds out of 641 total (9% availability) and 409 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,317 (9% availability).

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms. Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain responding to the current surge in COVID-19. You can find a test here.  

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.  

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Statewide Numbers and Trends: 

Tuesday, the Oregon Health Authority reported 5,821 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 over the past four days as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 289,649.

There are 54 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 3,326.

VACCINE INFORMATION

As mentioned above, vaccines are the most effective way to stay healthy, stay out of the hospital, avoid Long COVID, and protect our unvaccinated children under 12.  As of today, 2,661,365 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,427,352 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

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.

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.

• Safeway and Albertsons
• Costco
• Walgreens (or 1-800-WALGREENS) 
• Walmart
• Bi-Mart
• Rite Aid
• CVS
• Fred Meyer

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.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL 

Back-to-school this year brings a lot of anxiety, whether you're attending Pacific University or have a student heading to Glencoe.  The Oregon Health Authority has provided some great tips for keeping your household members safe this school year and I have included them below.  And since it is so important that our kids get as close to a 'normal' school year as possible, I have also included a great opportunity for students to become more civically aware and engaged: please see the information about the Kid Governor program below.  I wish all families a happy, healthy, and safe school year.  

Governor Brown, ODE and OHA leadership urge health and safety precautions this school year

Governor Kate Brown, Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) leadership are urging Oregon families to take five important steps to make the 2021-2022 school year a safe one.

1. Make a plan to vaccinate all eligible household members.
2. Wear a face covering in public and in carpools.
3. Limit gatherings with other households.
4. Move any social activities outside.
5. Make a plan in case your child needs to miss school.

Governor Brown encouraged all Oregonians to continue using “the two most powerful tools that we have at this point in the pandemic: vaccines and masks.” As Dr. Dana Brener of OHSU stated, “Every mask, every vaccine and every attempt to limit gatherings is important” to stop the spread of COVID-19 and support in-person learning this school year.

They also shared information about new approaches ODE and OHA will take to equip families with the information they need to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and support the health and safety of Oregon’s children: School Health Advisories, the new school testing and screening programs, and the Care & Connection program to support students’ return to in-person learning.

Learn more on the Oregon Vaccine News blog.

Drive like it! With schools opening, a reminder to slow down As schools throughout Oregon reopen their doors to students, children, parents and communities are adjusting to life after remote learning. An overlooked, yet critical adjustment is driving.   Drivers can expect to see more kids and parents walking and biking to school, crossing at intersections and of course, the yellow buses are back on the streets. We are used to slowing down in school zones and areas where kids may be exiting public transit or school buses, but drivers need to be aware that school routes are everywhere.   The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a reminder that shouldn’t be missed. You may have already seen the bright pink lawn signs with the message, “School Routes are Everywhere – Drive Like it!” in your neighborhood, around a local school, on social media or a public bus.   The ask is simple – be cautious and watch out for everyone’s children. Kids might not always pay close enough attention when walking near traffic, understand how fast a car is driving, or how close they are to it.   As always, please obey traffic rules – especially at school drop off and pick up times – take care when backing up, yield to walkers at intersections and watch for school buses.   Check out this video for more information on back to school safety.  Anyone interested in viewing or posting the campaign digital material can access it online.

Returning to campus? Tips on how to keep safe in shared living spaces

Some colleges and universities have already begun classes, and some have yet to begin. If you are a college student returning to campus, you may be looking for tips on how to keep safe in shared living spaces such as dorms or student apartments.  

Your school should already have guidance to help ensure a learning environment that is low risk for spreading COVID-19. Following that guidance and the tips below can help you to stay safe. 

Oregon’s Kid Governor® program (ORKG) is a statewide civics program for 5th graders supported through Oregon Secretary of State’s office. Timed to coincide with Election Day in November, every school and home school in Oregon is eligible to enter one 5th grader to run in a statewide election that other 5th graders will vote in. Classrooms can vote in the election, nominate a classmate to run for office or do both! Oregon’s Kid Governor nominees work with their classmates to create a campaign video about why they want to be Kid Governor, their leadership skills, a community issue they want to address, and a 3-point plan that will help 5th graders across Oregon make a difference in their communities.

Now entering its fifth year, ORKG continues to be an outstanding opportunity for developing leadership skills as students are immersed in a meaningful civics experience. There is no cost, and the program provides a full classroom curriculum and information for parents whose students choose to run. Students gain valuable knowledge of our state government, how to take action through civic participation, and how people of all ages can choose to participate in our democratic society.

Click here to register!

Classroom registration for the 2021-2022 Oregon Kid Governor Election is now open! The deadline for nominating a candidate and submitting their campaign video is 11:59 p.m., October 21st, 2021. If your 5th grade class only wants to vote in the Kid Governor election, you have until 11:59 p.m., October 29th, 2021 to register.

You can learn more about the program at http://or.kidgovernor.org/. Lesson plans and other materials will be shared with you once you register but we're glad to send them along in advance if you would like to preview them!

To learn about all the exciting opportunities available to Oregon’s next Kid Governor, check out this year’s Kid Governor, Taneesh Garg’s blog here: http://or.kidgovernor.org/2021-orkg-taneesh/taneeshs-blog

AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY

Please join your Washington County Board of Commissioners for their third quarterly Town Hall of the year on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. The program will include a brief staff presentation about the framework for ongoing pandemic response and recovery investment areas funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. These include public health response, community stabilization and wellness, stabilizing and supporting the local economy and community engagement. Following the presentation, the public is invited to ask questions or share their perspectives with the Board.

What:  Board of Commissioners’ Town Hall focused on pandemic response and recovery investment areas

Who:  Board Chair Kathryn Harrington, Commissioner Nafisa Fai, Commissioner Roy Rogers, Commissioner Pam Treece and Commissioner Jerry Willey 

When:  10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021

Where:  Two on-line options are available in both English and Spanish— 

1. Ask questions or share your perspective during the event by joining us live on Zoom. Please register in advance at this link.
2. Watch the presentation live on YouTube

• For English go to www.youtube.com/WashingtonCntyOregon  
• For Spanish visit http://tvctv.org/, Channel 30

Language services: Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. Interpretation services for other languages are also available upon request. Contact the Washington County Administrative Office by September 10 to request these services at 503-846-8685 or cao@co.washington.or.us. 

Ask a question:  If you’re unable to participate via Zoom but would like to ask a question, please email us before 10 a.m. on September 18 at cao@co.washington.or.us. 

En español

Asamblea Pública Virtual con Junta de Comisionados

La Mesa Directiva de Comisionados llevará a cabo una reunión del ayuntamiento acerca de las inversiones de recuperación ante la pandemia como parte del Plan de Rescate Americano

Por favor acompañe a la Mesa Directiva de Comisionados del Condado de Washington el sábado, 18 de septiembre a las 10 a.m. en su tercera reunión trimestral de ayuntamiento este año. El programa incluirá una breve presentación por parte de los miembros del personal acerca del marco para las áreas de inversión en recuperación y respuesta a la pandemia actual, las cuales son financiadas a través de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Americano. Estos incluyen la respuesta de salud pública, la estabilización y el bienestar de la comunidad, la estabilización y el apoyo a la economía local y la participación de la comunidad. Después de la presentación, se invitará a los miembros de la comunidad a hacer preguntas o compartir sus puntos de vista con la Mesa Directiva.

Qué: Reunión del ayuntamiento de la Mesa Directiva de Comisionados enfocada en las áreas de inversión de recuperación y respuesta ante la pandemia

Quién: Kathryn Harrington, presidenta de la Mesa Directiva; Nafisa Fai, comisionada; Roy Rogers, comisionado; Pam Treece, comisionada; Jerry Willey, comisionado

Cuándo: sábado, 18 de septiembre de 2021 de 10 a.m. a 11:30 a.m.

Dónde: Hay dos opciones disponibles en línea tanto en inglés como en español—

1. Puede realizar preguntas o compartir su perspectiva durante el evento al unirse junto a nosotros en vivo en Zoom. Favor de registrarse con anticipación en el siguiente enlace.
2. También puede ver la presentación en vivo en YouTube.

• Para verla en inglés, visite www.youtube.com/WashingtonCntyOregon 
• Para verla en español, visite http://tvctv.org/, canal 30

Servicios de idiomas: Se proporcionará interpretación en español y lenguaje de señas americano. También hay servicios de interpretación para otros idiomas si se solicitan. Favor de comunicarse con la Oficina Administrativa del Condado de Washington antes del 10 de septiembre para solicitar estos servicios al 503-846-8685 o en cao@co.washington.or.us. 

Haga preguntas: Si no puede participar a través de Zoom, pero desea hacer preguntas, por favor, envíenos un correo electrónico antes de las 10 a.m. del 18 de septiembre a través de cao@co.washington.or.us.

WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES 

A year after the the Labor Day fires, I was so relieved to hear a positive report about containment and upcoming weather patterns from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Fire Marshall.  While we are still at Preparedness Level 5 and have seen almost 1,000 fires this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry reports higher levels of containment each week - we are making progress!  See the map below for active fires burning in Oregon right now:   

Wildfire Recovery Resources

OEM has put together this list of contacts to help speed up the process of replacing these documents:

• Green cards: Phone (800)-375-5283; Website: www.uscis.gov
• Medicare cards: Phone: (800)-772-1213; (TTY) (800)-325-0778 Website: www.medicare.gov
• Military records Phone: 866-272-6272 Website: www.archives.gov/contact/
• Passport Phone: 877-487-2778; (TTY) 888-874-7793 Website: travel.state.gov
• Social Security card Phone: 800-772-1213; (TTY) 800-325-0778 Website: www.ssa.gov
• U.S. Savings Bonds Phone: 844-284-2676 Website: www.treasurydirect.gov
• U.S. tax returns Phone: 800-829-1040 Website: www.irs.gov
• Birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, divorce certificates Phone: 888-896-4988 Website: www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Birthdeathcertificates
• Driver’s license, auto titles and registration, ID cards Phone: 503-945-5000 Website: www.oregon.gov/odot
• SNAP (Oregon Trail Card) Website: www.oregon.gov/DHS/Assistance/Food-Benefits
• 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
• Real estate and property - Contact your county government.
• Credit cards - Contact your credit card company directly.
• Credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Phone: 877-322-8228 Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
• Insurance documents - Check with your insurance agent.
• 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.

• How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision
• Oregonians Affected by Wildfires: Flood Risk and Insurance; Fraud Awareness
• FEMA Rental Assistance May Be A Valuable Housing Solution for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for FEMA Disaster Assistance
• What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Oregon Wildfire Survivors
• Look Out for Disaster Fraud, Scams
• Understanding a FEMA Determination Letter, How to Appeal
• FEMA Approves Direct Housing Mission
• Apply with FEMA Even if You Have Insurance

EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATES

The following Federal pandemic benefit programs expired on Saturday, September 4:

o      Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

o      Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

o      Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)  

o      Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)

Claimants should still claim the week ending September 4 during the week of September 5 in order to receive the final payment from these programs.

Resources

The Employment Department knows there is a lot of anxiety with temporary federal benefits expiring and COVID-19 numbers increasing in Oregon and across our country. 

We want to make sure people know what assistance is available now and when the temporary federal benefits end, such as: 

o     Rental and housing assistance 

o     Health care services from Oregon Health Plan 

o     The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, and  

o     211.org

And while we have been providing much needed financial assistance to many people throughout the pandemic, we also help people find jobs and there are lots of job opportunities now, with some fields, such as health care and hospitality, having many vacancies throughout the state. We encourage job seekers to contact their local WorkSource Oregon office to find out what jobs are available near them and to explore new career opportunities. Job seekers can find their local office by visiting our website at: https://worksourceoregon.org/contact.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

If you need rental assistance, please click on the image below to learn about your rights and available assistance.  For help in navigating this process and for other opportunities for assistance in your local area, please visit Washington County's Community Action page.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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