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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am a day late but I would like to begin by recognizing that yesterday was World Teachers' Day, and while I believe that every day should be marked with an appreciation of our teachers, I recognize the importance in having a special day to honor the incredible and invaluable work that teachers around the world do to uplift their communities. Thank you to all the teachers out there, especially the incredible ones that I came to know during my 42 years in the profession. Please know that as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Education Appropriations, you have my commitment that I will always support your efforts in the classroom as we strive to provide the best educational opportunities we can to students here in Oregon.
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This morning was also the first interim meeting of the Joint Committee on Education Appropriation and I was very pleased with the review provided of the Education Budget for the 2021-22 Biennium. As a reminder, in 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed the Student Success Act, creating a record investment in Oregon schools. This year the Legislature once again set records for school funding, passing a $9.3 billion K-12 budget and investing $702 million and $900 million for Oregon's community colleges and public universities respectively. I am proud of the work we have done to support our students and teachers and I look forward to working on the budget throughout the Interim.
In case you missed my announcement on Monday, I want to take a moment to reiterate my commitment to serving out my term as your State Representative in House District 29. After Senator Riley announced his retirement, I took a week to consider the potential opportunity of being appointed to, and then running for Senate District 15. However, I feel it is important for me to stay in the House to work on current projects that need to be done for the upcoming Short Session in 2022. I have served House District 29 for seven years and I am excited to continue working in partnership with you to represent our communities and to build the future our children and families deserve.
As Co-Chair of the Public Education Appropriations Committee, Co-Chair of the Joint Transportation Committee, and Co-Chair of the Interstate 5 Bridge Committee, I will be helping to lead us through some very important processes before the Short Session. I look forward to guiding the budget through the second-year cycle as we balance and make any corrections that may be required. In addition, with the reconfiguration of the Agriculture and Land Use Committee, I have responsibilities as a Vice-Chair that I take very seriously. Land use is an important policy to our communities in Forest Grove, Cornelius, and West Hillsboro, as well as across the state of Oregon and the issue deserves policymakers that see its importance and have a passion for it. And finally, the Educator Advancement Council has a new Director that I want to support and I value my work with that Council immensely and look forward to continuing that partnership.
These leadership roles come with responsibilities that I intend to follow and see through. At this time I am well-positioned to lead in the House and to do this work effectively and I am excited to continue serving the people of House District 29.
IMPORTANT DMV REMINDER
Grace Period Ends in December
The Department of Transportation has partnered with Oregon law enforcement agencies to exercise discretion in their enforcement of driver licenses, vehicle registrations and trip permits that expire during the COVID-19 emergency.
On May 6, 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed into law House Bill 2137, which creates a moratorium on citations for expired driver licenses, permits, vehicle registration and disabled parking placards. The new law only applies to expiration dates of less than six months from the date of the violation. Read a public notice about the grace period. This grace period expires on December 31, 2021.
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS REMINDERS
Please be advised that all pandemic-related, federal programs ended on Sept. 4, 2021. This includes Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC).
You are encouraged to reach out to your local WorkSource center for job search assistance and other free resources, or visit the resources web page to find help with rent, food, healthcare, and more.
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Need assistance or have questions about your unemployment claim? Fill out the Contact Us form or visit unemployment.oregon.gov.
- Sign-up for their email list to get important benefit information and announcements.
- Keep claiming your weekly benefits or file an initial claim if you are unsure if you are eligible for benefits.
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program- Update from Director Salazar!
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) OHCS continues to take proactive steps to ensure Oregon families remain safely and affordably housed through distribution of federal emergency rental assistance (ERA 1) funds. While OHCS has made significant progress to keep Oregon families housed, there is still much work to be done.
On Monday, Oct. 4, OHCS testified before a Joint House and Senate committee hearing to report on OERAP progress and challenges that lie ahead. That same day, we also received new guidance from the U.S. Treasury on the definition of obligated funds and eligibility for more federal funding. Based on this guidance, OHCS is confident that the state met the Sept. 30 benchmark set by the U.S. Treasury to obligate 65% of funds—which may bring more rental assistance to the state. OHCS requested additional resources from U.S. Treasury, as we know the need is greater than our current resources. OHCS also held a media briefing on Friday, Oct. 1 to provide an update on our three-point plan to drive rapid rental assistance application processing.
As of last week, OHCS and our partners have made $69 million in payments on behalf of more than 10,000 households. We also announced $18 million in grants to the Oregon Housing Authority, IRCO and a number of community-based organizations to address housing inequities and keep families housed. We continue to feel the weight of this work. OERAP has seen a record number of Oregonians apply for assistance and as OHCS and our program administrators work against the clock to process assistance within the 60-day safe harbor period authorized in SB 278, too many renters are at risk of eviction. We are working closely with our Community Action Agency (CAA) partners to process applications as quickly as possible, so families can remain safely and affordably housed.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
We are still seeing a small decrease in the number of COVID positive cases and hospitalization from week to week! As of yesterday, the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 733, which is 36 fewer than Monday. There are 186 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 21 fewer than Monday.
There are 67 available adult ICU beds out of 708 total (9% availability) and 291 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,222 (7% 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, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain
More information about hospital capacity can be found here.
There are 44 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 3,867, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Oregon Health Authority reported 1,650 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, bringing the state total to 336,598.
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VACCINE INFORMATION
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.
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: They have extended their program into October. Visit their website 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.
Oregon had a record low number of flu cases last year. This year may be different.
As the weather gets cooler many of us think about what we love about autumn. Cozy, rainy days. Fall colors. Sweaters.
Unfortunately, fall is also the beginning of flu season, which generally starts around October and can continue into the spring.
The pandemic had a large impact on last year’s flu season. We were staying physically distant, wearing masks and staying home when we could. We had a record low for flu cases in 2020 with only a handful of postive tests for influenza out of thousands that were given.
Things may be different this year.
We have COVID-19 vaccines to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. As a result, many of us have changed our habits. Some are wearing masks less often, eating in restaurants, going to movies and concerts, playing sports and gathering at each other’s homes. Most kids are back at school in person.
All these activities can increase the risk of flu transmission, especially among people who have not had the flu vaccine. In fact, the biggest driver of flu transmission is school-age children.
The good news is that there is a vaccine to protect against flu, and it can be given to children as young as six months old.
You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID vaccine, so if you’ve been putting off getting your vaccines, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about scheduling your flu vaccine at the same time as you get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Around Washington County
Help Plan a Safer Highway for Forest Grove!
Do you drive, walk, roll, bike or catch the bus on TV Highway (Oregon Highway 8 ) in East Forest Grove? The City of Forest Grove and Oregon Department of Transportation have several ideas like crosswalks, lighting and more to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone travelling on TV Highway. They need your input on which ideas you think will help most!
¡Ayude a planificar una carretera más segura para Forest Grove!
¿Conduce, camina, rueda, anda en bicicleta o toma el autobús en TV Highway (Oregon Highway 8) en East Forest Grove? La Ciudad de Forest Grove y el Departamento de Transporte de Oregon tienen varias ideas como cruces peatonales, iluminación y más para que sea más seguro y cómodo para todos los que viajan por la autopista TV. ¡Necesitamos su opinión sobre qué ideas cree que ayudarán más!
The Hillsboro School District Reminds You that October is National Bullying Prevention Month
The value of all kids feeling safe in their schools and in their communities is one shared across the country. And no matter where the learning is taking place, creating safe and welcoming educational environments is a top priority in the Hillsboro School District.
In the state of Oregon, SafeOregon, www.safeoregon.com, is an online platform that gives students, parents, staff, and community members a way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence. It’s free for Oregon public and private schools PK-12. Tips can be sent via email to tip@safeoregon.com, by calling or texting 844-472-3367, using the free mobile app, or accessing the SafeOregon web portal. All tips go immediately to a tip line operator 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Tips are promptly analyzed and forwarded to designated personnel who can provide further assistance in resolving reported incidents.
HSD also has a tip line on our mobile app. Download the free Hillsboro School District app from the App Store or Google Play and select the Tip Line icon to start a message. You can indicate which school the tip is related to and add images, if appropriate. Tips can be sent either anonymously or with contact information so a staff member can follow up with you.
In addition, the District is fortunate to have established strong partnerships with social service agencies. There are many proactive programs supported by these partnerships that are designed to protect the safety of students through educating, engaging and supporting them in making positive choices in their lives. Visit the Safety page of our website to learn more.
We believe it is up to all of us - parents, students, staff members, and the broader community, working together - to support students and provide education and resources to ensure our schools and the Hillsboro community are safe and respectful environments for everyone.
Octubre es el Mes Nacional para la Prevención del Acoso Escolar: Manténgase informado sobre los recursos estatales y locales
El valor de que todos los estudiantes se sientan seguros en las escuelas y en las comunidades es compartido en todo el país. Sin importar donde se lleve a cabo el aprendizaje, crear entornos educativos seguros y acogedores es una prioridad en el Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro.
En el estado de Oregón, SafeOregon, www.safeoregon.com, es una plataforma en línea que brinda a los estudiantes, padres, el personal escolar y los miembros de la comunidad una manera de informar sobre amenazas a la seguridad o posibles actos de violencia. Es gratuito para las escuelas públicas y privadas de los grados PK-12 en Oregón. La información puede ser enviada por correo electrónico a tip@safeoregon.com, llamando o enviando un mensaje de texto al 844-472-3367, utilizando la aplicación móvil gratuita o accediendo al portal de internet de SafeOregon. Toda la información se envía inmediatamente a un operador de línea de información las 24 horas del día, todos los días del año. La información es analizada de inmediato y se envía al personal designado que pueda brindar más ayuda para resolver los incidentes denunciados.
HSD también tiene una línea de información en nuestra aplicación móvil. Descargue la aplicación gratuita del Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro en la App Store o Google Play y seleccione el ícono Tip Line para comenzar un mensaje. Puede indicar con qué escuela está relacionada la sugerencia y agregar imágenes, si corresponde. La información puede ser enviada de manera anónima o con información de contacto para que un miembro del personal pueda hacer un seguimiento con usted.
Además, el Distrito tiene la suerte de haber establecido asociaciones fuertes con agencias de servicios sociales. Hay muchos programas proactivos respaldados por estas asociaciones que están diseñados para proteger la seguridad de los estudiantes a través de la educación, la participación y el apoyo para que tomen decisiones positivas en sus vidas. Visite la página de seguridad en nuestro sitio web para obtener más información.
Creemos que es responsabilidad de todos nosotros, padres, estudiantes, miembros del personal y la comunidad en general, trabajar juntos para apoyar a los estudiantes y proporcionar educación y recursos para asegurar que nuestras escuelas y la comunidad de Hillsboro sean entornos seguros y respetuosos para todos.
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Washington County to sell 874 SW Baseline Property in Hillsboro
The Board of County Commissioners has approved the sale of County-owned property in Hillsboro which has been used in recent months by community members experiencing homelessness. In 2014, Washington County acquired the one-acre parcel of land at 874 SW Baseline Road through a tax foreclosure. The property was the site of a former gas station and car wash which was previously offered at public auction in May of 2018 but received no bids. Recently, the County received an offer from the adjacent property owner, Inukai Honda, for $500,000. Following Board approval, the sale process includes a due diligence period and an expected closing date of November 30, 2021.
Partnering on Houseless and Sheltering issues is a must. It takes everyone working together to solve the problem. Please read my letter to the Washington County Board of County Commissioners regarding the sale of 874 Baseline Road in Hillsboro.
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WILDFIRE RECOVERY AND RESOURCES
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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