|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This has been a very busy week with considerations for Oregon after the passage of the historic bi-partisan infrastructure bill last Friday, the Joint Public Education Appropriations meeting coming this Friday, a great discussion on farmworker overtime with employees of Eshraghi Nursery, Legislative Days coming next week, and taking time to honor our Veterans! It's only Wednesday but it definitely feels like I've completed two weeks worth of work already and there's been a lot of good news and a lot to celebrate.
The passage of the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure deal is one of the biggest investments in American infrastructure and global competitiveness in a century. As Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation and Co-Chair of the Joint I-5 Bridge Committee, I am particularly excited about what this means for our ability to be able to repair and rebuild roads and bridges. The bill will bring an estimated $1.2 billion in funding to the Oregon Department of Transportation for such projects! Please take a moment to read about all the ways that Oregon will benefit from this bill in the "Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill" section farther down in this newsletter.
I would also like to remind you that this Friday, November 12th, the Joint Committee on Public Education Appropriations, of which I am a Co-Chair, will have a public hearing and an opportunity for the public to comment either in written form or at the meeting itself. For more information on the meeting and how you can participate, please click here.
I had the opportunity to honor some wonderful Veterans on Sunday when I attended the Forest Grove Elks Lodge Veterans Dinner. I was able to bring one of my interns, Nicholas Juarez, who is a Marine veteran. I will also be attending the Cornelius Veterans Day Memorial event on Thursday and you can read more about that in the "Veterans Day" section below. I thank all Veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country. You represent the best of us and you have our eternal gratitude.
THANKING OUR VETERANS
Cornelius Veterans Day Event
Cornelius is hosting a Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park at 1251 Baseline St.
The event, which was not held last year, will include the Washington County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard as well as a keynote address from U.S. Air Force veteran and former city councilor Dave Schamp.
Forest Grove Museum Veterans Day Event
On Veterans Day in Forest Grove, the Friends of Historic Forest Grove Museum at 1936 19th Ave. will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a display featuring uniforms and other memorabilia from Forest Grove veterans.
Pictures below are from a Veterans Day celebration at Glencoe with speech team members and my grandson hosting a veteran.
|
National parks, other federal lands will waive entrance fees for Veterans Day
On November 11, 2021, all Federal public lands such as Crater Lake National Park, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Yaquina Head Natural Area will waive entrance and parking fees in celebration of Veterans Day. This includes the trailheads and day-use areas in the national forest in Oregon. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will not be waiving its $5 parking fee, however only 26 state parks require this fee.
------------------------------------------------
El 11 de noviembre de 2021, todas las tierras publicas federales como el parque Nacional de Cráter Lake, el parque Histórico Nacional de Lewis y Clark, el Área Natural Yaquina eliminaran el costo de entrada y estacionamiento en celebración del Dia de los Veteranos. Esto incluye los senderos y las áreas de uso diurno en el bosque nacional en Oregón. El Departamento de Parques y Recreación de Oregón no renunciara su costo de estacionamiento de $5, sin embargo, solo 26 parques estatales requieren esta tarifa.
Washington County resources for Veterans
American Legion Post 104: (503) 642-4907
American Legion Post 006: (503) 648-7191
Washington County Disability, Aging, and Veteran Services: (503) 846- 3060
Hillsboro VA Clinic: (503) 906-5000
Paws Assisting Veterans: info@paveusa.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars: (503) 895- 1342
Hillsboro Elks Lodge: (503) 648- 1862
Rock Creek Veteran Resources | Veteran Resources at PCC : (971) 722-7743 or 7744
Veterans Support | Pacific University
Mental Health Services:
- Washington County Crisis Line | 503-291-9111
- Crisis Text Line | Text “Connect” to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Lifeline | 1-866-488-7386
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Native American Heritage Month
During the month of November, we celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month also known as Native American Heritage Month. It is important for us to honor and celebrate the culture and the contributions of those who were the first inhabitants of the United States. Oregon is home to nine federally-recognized Native tribes. To learn more about the Indigenous history in Oregon please visit here.
The Kalapuya and Atfalati tribes were the First People in Western Washington County. There is a rich and thriving Native community in our area. Support our local Native American communities this month and throughout the year.
To read more about Native American Heritage Month nationally, visit the Federal page here. For more ideas on how to support the Indigenous Community, visit here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Durante el mes de noviembre, celebramos el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Indígena Americana, también conocido como el Mes de la Herencia Indígena Americana. Es importante para nosotros honrar y celebrar la cultura y las contribuciones de aquellos que fueron los primeros habitantes de los Estados Unidos. Oregón es el hogar de nueve tribus nativas reconocidas federalmente. Para obtener más información en Oregón, visite aquí.
Las tribus Kalapuya y Atfalati fueron las primeras personas en el Oeste de condado de Washington. Hay una comunidad nativa enriquecida y prospera en nuestra área. Apoye a nuestras comunidades nativas americanas locales este mes y durante todo el año.
Para leer más sobre el Mes de la Herencia de los Nativos Americanos a nivel nacional, visite la página federal aquí. Para obtener más ideas sobre como apoyar a la Comunidad Indígena, visite aquí.
|
 |
BI-PARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will Deliver for Oregon
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. This historic investment will make life better for millions of Oregon residents and create a generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth. Specifically, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:
-
Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Based on formula funding alone, Oregon would expect to receive $3.4 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $268 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years. Oregon can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.
-
Improve healthy, sustainable transportation options for millions of Americans. Oregon would expect to receive $747 million over five years under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve public transportation options across the state.
-
Build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. The bill invests $7.5 billion to build out the first-ever national network of EV chargers in the United States. Oregon would expect to receive $52 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state.
-
Help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Oregon will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 136,600 Oregonians who currently lack it.
-
Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on historical formula funding levels, Oregon will expect to receive $39 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $15 million to protect against cyberattacks. Oregonians will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
-
Deliver clean drinking water to every American and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines and pipes. Based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Oregon will expect to receive $529 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
-
Improve our nation’s airports. Airports in Oregon would receive approximately $211 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.
Read more about these historic investments from The White House here.
FROM SALEM
I was very pleased to hear about the historic Forest Accord proposal agreement. This is an example of doing it well and doing it the Oregon way. This is a win win for the environment and for the Timber sector. I am looking forward to supporting the bill in the upcoming session. Read more about this exciting development in Governor Brown's press conference below.
Proposed changes to Forest Practices Act to be brought before Legislature
Governor Kate Brown announced that nearly ten months of negotiations between private forestry representatives, small forestland owners, conservation leaders, and fishing organizations has resulted in a historic proposal for new protections for sensitive species on over 10 million acres of forestland in Oregon. The proposal seeks to meet the federal standards for a statewide Habitat Conservation Plan. The changes to the Forest Practices Act agreed to by the parties will be brought before the Legislature.
“Today’s historic agreement is a perfect example of the Oregon Way––coming together at the table to find common ground, to the mutual benefit of us all,” said Governor Brown. “Together, this agreement will help to ensure that Oregon continues to have healthy forests, fish, and wildlife, as well as economic growth for our forest industry and rural communities, for generations to come. I would like to thank everyone involved for their role in making this agreement a reality today.”
The parties agreed on a framework for:
• Riparian buffers for streams, rivers, and bodies of water;
• Steep slopes protection to minimize erosion and protect habitat;
• An approach moving forward to improve forest roads; and
• A path forward to make adjustments and adaptation to forest practices in the future.
In February of 2020, Governor Brown brokered an agreement between numerous conservation and fishing groups and timber and forest products entities to abandon a costly and divisive ballot initiative fight in exchange for proactive legislation supporting collaboratively developed changes to forest practices. This agreement, called the Private Forest Accord, led to bipartisan legislation that passed with overwhelming majorities in June 2020. The legislation codified the historic agreement, funded the negotiating process now underway, and enacted a set of significant reforms to the Forest Practices Act, some of which went into effect January 1. These new laws addressed aerial applications of pesticides on forestland within 300 feet of homes, schools and drinking water, and created a new, first-in-the-nation real-time neighbor notification and reporting requirement.
“This is truly an exciting time to be a part of the Oregon forest sector,” said David Bechtold, representative of the coalition of forest companies. “We’re extremely proud to have started a process for more constructive engagement on forest policy issues. This is a new era that will produce the best outcomes for Oregon’s private forests and the communities that depend on them to provide clean water, recreation, renewable wood products and year-round, family-wage jobs.”
Bob Van Dyk, Oregon Policy Director at Wild Salmon Center said, “We are thrilled to join the Governor and timber industry counterparts on a new path for Oregon’s forests and for our organizations. The measures announced today provide significant new protections for our fisheries, for cold clean water, and for the people who rely on these resources.”
On January 12, 2021 the parties began a series of meetings in which they discussed proposed changes to forest practices, pursuing a statewide Habitat Conservation Plan from federal agencies for threatened and endangered species, which would provide more regulatory certainty for landowners and long-term conservation benefits to designated wildlife species. The parties worked intensively throughout the year towards formalizing an agreement to bring before the Legislature.
The Governor’s office worked with signatories to identify the negotiating teams and appointed experienced mediator Peter Koehler. With the assistance of Peter Harkema from Oregon Consensus and the Governor’s Office, the parties worked tirelessly toward a deal.
The conservation and fishing side representatives are Bob Van Dyk (Wild Salmon Center), Sean Stevens (Oregon Wild), Chrysten Lambert (Trout Unlimited), Bob Sallinger (Portland Audubon), Joseph Vaile (Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center), and Dr. Kelly Burnett (Aquatic Scientist). Also joining in the agreement are the Beyond Toxics, Cascadia Wildlands, Northwest GUides and Anglers, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, the Oregon Stream Protection Coalition, The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Rogue Riverkeeper, and Umpqua Watersheds.
For the timber sector the representatives are Adrian Miller (Rayonier), Diane Meyers (Weyerhaeuser), Cameron Krauss (Seneca Sawmill Company), Heath Curtiss (Hampton Lumber), Eric Geyer (Roseburg Forest Products), and Jim James (Oregon Small Woodlands Association). Also joining in the agreement are Hancock Natural Resource Group, Lone Rock Resources, Greenwood Resources, Campbell Global, Starker Forests, and Port Blakely.
Legislation will be brought forward to the Oregon Legislature to solidify the Private Forest Accords in statute. The State will bring forward the proposal for consideration by NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a Habitat Conservation Plan.
COVID-19 UPDATES AND INFORMATION
There was good news reported this week on the COVID-19 front. For the 8th consecutive week, cases have declined in Oregon and have also fallen to their lowest weekly rate since early August. The Oregon Health Authority recorded 6,643 cases in the past week, down 16% from a week earlier. Vaccination rates and protocols have helped us start to get a handle on the Delta variant.
COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 510, which is 10 fewer than yesterday. There are 127 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is seven fewer than yesterday.
There are 58 available adult ICU beds out of 672 total (9% availability) and 304 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,102 (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.
VACCINE INFORMATION
The White House is reporting that nearly 1 million children across the country children have now received their first COVID-19 vaccination! This is a very encouraging sign and I enjoyed seeing several pictures on Facebook over the weekend of kids getting their vaccine.
Washington Co. Vaccine Information:
Washington County's Mobile Vaccination Van: The 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.
Tektronix (starting Thursday, November 11): This clinic will offer all three vaccines, including boost and pediatric doses. Located at 14200 SW Karl Braun Drive (inside Building 58) in Beaverton. Hours are Monday through Friday from 12-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Walk-in only, no appointments.
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.
Centro Cultural Clinic: On Saturdays at 1110 N. Adair Street in Cornelius
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.
What about boosters?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 booster shots for the following groups who received their second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago. This includes people:
The CDC also says that everyone who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose two months after their shot (or as soon as possible if it's been longer than that).
Mix and Match Approved: The CDC also approved a “mix-and-match” strategy that allows anyone qualifying for a booster to receive any of the FDA-authorized vaccines. People may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience.
Wondering if you are eligible for the booster or a 3rd dose? See this OHA page for more information.
AROUND WASHINGTON COUNTY
Eshraghi Nursery Tour
I had a great tour of Eshraghi Nursery in Hillsboro on Monday with my colleagues, Reps. Noble and Campos. We were there to learn about the nursery itself, but also to listen to experiences of long term employees. This was a continuation of the discussion on Farmworker Overtime that I had out at the Vanashe Farm several weeks ago. I am thankful to the workers who took the time to share their stories and perspectives and look forward to continued dialogue on this topic in the months to come.
|
City of Hillsboro Hosting Online Open House on Oak/Baseline/10th Avenue Corridor
The City of Hillsboro is hosting an online open house from Oct. 26th through December 10th seeking community participation for the Oak/Baseline/10th Avenue Corridor Study. The study seeks to create a unified vision & strategy to guide improvements and redevelopment activity along Oregon Route 8 (OR HWY 8). The goal is to enhance the safety & experience of residents, workers, and visitors who are walking, driving, or riding in the project area, see attached image. Below are the links to the online open house:
English link https://openhouse.jla.us.com/Oak-Baseline-Study-1#
Spanish link https://openhouse.jla.us.com/Estudio-Oak-Baseline#
The City will be mailing an insert about the project in November utility bills as well as mailing postcards to residents and businesses within a half mile radius of the project area introducing the project and letting people know t they can go online, call, or complete a brief survey in person at four locations: Shute Park Library, SHARC, Senior Center or the Civic Center.
WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
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.
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
| 
