Legislative Days, the Revenue Forecast, and Anticipated Expansion of Booster Eligibility

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Hello Friends,

This week the Oregon Legislature has been conducting "Legislative Days" where committees meet to do the interim work of the Legislature.  It has been great to be meeting with colleagues this week. I enjoy getting into the weeds of public policy.  I've heard detailed reports from the Oregon Department of Transportation on current road projects and the reopening of DMVs across the state; an update on the successful Summer Learning Programs that were implemented throughout the state this past summer as a way to make up for some of the educational losses that occurred because of COVID-19; and a report on the impact that natural disasters have had on Oregon's agricultural industry.  If you would like to hear for yourself the various reports that the committees I serve on received during Legislative Days, please click on the links for each committee below and you will be taken to the recorded hearings:   

Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education

Joint Ways and Means Committee

Joint Transportation Committee

House Committee on Agriculture and Land Use 

Oregon received two positive pieces of news this week with regard to the strength of our economy and our continued efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  First, the latest Revenue Forecast was released today and it shows continued economic recovery from the pandemic, and in particular a decrease in the unemployment rate as Oregonians get back to work.  To read more about the Revenue Forecast, please see the Governor's statement in the "Revenue Forecast Released" section below.  OHSU has also released the latest COVID forecast model and it shows a slow decline of cases as we head into the winter months.  Read more about it in the "COVID-19 Updates" section below.    

This past Saturday I was honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Oregon chapter of the American Federation of Teachers for my work passing Senate Bill 551 in the last Legislative Session.  This bill ensures that our part-time faculty members at Oregon's colleges and universities receive health care benefits if they work at least .50 FTE.  While there is much work still to be done to ensure quality healthcare for all Oregonians, I was proud to work with Senator Dembrow to ensure that these hardworking educators receive the healthcare they need. 

Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education

 

APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE BY DEC. 1

 

Anyone who has fallen behind on rent or may get behind on December rent is encouraged to apply for emergency rental assistance right away, but before Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. at oregonrentalassistance.org.  After December 1, the Emergency Rental Assistance Fund will pause acceptance of applications because of a lack of current funding. After Dec. 1, the agency encourages people to apply for other emergency rental assistance programs across the state to receive the 60-day safe harbor period (90 days in Multnomah County and unincorporated areas of Washington County). Some cities and counties received ERA funding directly from the U.S. Department of Treasury:

People can also contact 211 or Community Action Agencies in their area.

During the pause, OHCS and local program administrators will continue processing all remaining completed applications quickly, prioritizing those outside the 60 and 90-day windows of protection. The agency expects that all completed applications in the queue will be processed and paid as soon as possible.OHCS will be notifying anyone with an incomplete application to complete their application before that deadline through a series of correspondences.

If a renter has received an eviction notice, they should call 211. If a renter has received a court summons for eviction, they should call the Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project line (888-585-9638) or send an email to evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org to seek legal help.

Rental Assistance English
Rental Assistance Spanish

 


 

REVENUE FORECAST RELEASED 

 

Governor Kate Brown Statement on November Revenue Forecast

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on the state’s November revenue forecast:“Today’s revenue forecast, along with the good news that Oregon’s unemployment rate has dropped to 4.4%, confirms that we have strong momentum for recovery from the economic impacts of COVID-19. And with a healthy ending fund balance, we have an opportunity to make targeted investments to close the gaps for Oregonians still in need. We must continue to center equity in our recovery efforts to ensure that the communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to historic disparities––Oregon’s Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and people of color––benefit equitably from Oregon’s strong economic recovery.“As we head towards the February legislative session, I’ve tasked a subgroup of the Racial Justice Council — that includes business owners and workers — with developing a package of workforce investments for the February session aimed at helping people get back to work and improving career paths. And because lack of stable housing is often the biggest barrier to getting or keeping a job, I am also continuing my conversations with legislative leaders about policy solutions to help people access and retain stable housing.“We also have the opportunity to leverage our state revenues with the additional federal resources that are coming our way from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, setting us up for tremendous possibilities to help Oregon’s families and businesses continue to recover.“As we recover, we must support the communities that have been disproportionately impacted. With these critical investments from the Biden-Harris administration, we can now ensure these communities have access to good-paying jobs, affordable broadband, reliable public transit, and other essential resources.”Revenue forecast documents can be found on the Oregon Legislature's website.


 

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK 2021

 

American Education Week is about honoring the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.  As a former public school teacher for over 42 years, and as Co-Chair of both the Interim Joint Committee on Public Education Appropriation and the 2021 Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, nothing is more important to me than ensuring that we have the best public schools and that our children receive the highest quality of education.  It really does take a village and I am thankful for each and every person that works hard to support public education in this state.

Students and Teachers


 

COVID-19 UPDATES 

 

Newest COVID-19 model shows continued slowing in cases, hospitalizations

Oregon Health & Science University is now providing the COVID-19 forecast model.

The latest report projects a continuing overall decline in cases and hospitalizations for the remainder of this year. Pediatric hospitalizations remained steady and ICU admissions for COVID-19 related illness increased slightly over last week.

The model makes it clear that  adherence to mask wearing and following other public health protocols is important in preventing infection and therefore lowering infection and hospitalizations.

For more details, see the COVID-19 Forecast Model.

 

COVID-19 hospitalizations 

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 452, which is nine fewer than yesterday. There are 108 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is one fewer than yesterday. 

There are 62 available adult ICU beds out of 683 total (9% availability) and 294 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,108 (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

 

New Cases and Deaths 

 There are 52 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 4,855, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. on 11/16.

OHA reported 785 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. on 11/16, bringing the state total to 380,866.

Daily COVID Numbers

 

VACCINE INFORMATION 

 

FDA expected to authorize booster dose of Pfizer for 18 and older

National media report the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to authorize booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine for people age 18 and older as early as Thursday this week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet on Friday to consider the FDA’s recommendation. 

Currently, booster doses of all three authorized vaccines are available to many people, including those who are at greater risk from COVID-19, such as people who have experienced barriers to healthcare, including communities of color, Tribal nations and people with disabilities. People who work in jobs with high risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 are also eligible for boosters.  

Health experts strongly recommend booster doses for people age 65 and older, people age 50 and older with underlying medical conditions, and people age 18 and older who live in long-term care facilities.  

If you’re eligible for a booster, now’s the time to get one before providers get even busier. Use the vaccine locator map to find a vaccine provider near you. Proof of eligibility is not required, though providers may ask for written confirmation. 

Visit OHA's boosters and third doses webpage for more information on who is eligible for a booster dose and where to get one. 

 

OHA releases new COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report

OHA’s most recent update on COVID-19 breakthrough cases, released Friday, found that 71% of the 6,776 reported COVID-19 cases between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6 occurred in unvaccinated people.

There were 1,962 breakthrough cases, accounting for 29% of all cases.

The average age of the breakthrough cases during that period was 45. Forty breakthrough cases involved residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate care settings. There were 76 cases in people ages 12 to 17.

To date, there have been 39,686 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases in Oregon. The average age of all cases is 48. Breakthrough cases have been reported in all 36 counties.

Cases of COVID-19 are far more common in unvaccinated people. The report shows that the rate of COVID-19 in unvaccinated people is four times higher than in vaccinated people.

To date, 4.4% of all vaccine breakthrough cases have been hospitalized and 1.1% have died. The average age of vaccinated people who died was 80.

Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The latest breakthrough report can be found here.

 

Addressing misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines

Living through a pandemic is hard; living through a pandemic with bad information just makes it that much worse. To dispel some of the myths about getting vaccinated, we asked Dr. Bukhosi Dube, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Senior Health Advisor, to address these topics so that people have accurate information to make the best decisions for themselves, their families and communities.  

Visit Oregon Vaccine News to read how:

  • The risk of myocarditis is greater from COVID-19 than from being vaccinated.
  • Vaccine side effects are mostly mild when compared to the effects of COVID-19.
  • Getting vaccinated after having COVID-19 is beneficial. 
  • COVID-19 vaccines are unable to change DNA and do not cause infertility. 

 

Vaccinations in Oregon 

Oregon has now administered 3,405,808 doses of Pfizer, 33,783 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,138,105 doses of Moderna and 236,486 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. 

As of today, 2,884,831people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,636,380 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

Vaccine Rate in Oregon

 

 

Vaccine cartoon

 

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

Centro Clinic

 

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

 

Hillsboro City Logo

City of Hillsboro Community Survey on Homelessness

Responding to the ongoing housing crisis impacting our community, the City of Hillsboro conducted a community survey on homelessness in English and Spanish during September and October 2021. 

The survey sought specific community input on:

  • Siting of locations for shelters or other overnight camping areas
  • How best to further engage the community
  • General questions about homelessness

Here are five key takeaways from survey responses

  1. 75% of survey respondents want to hear more regular updates on homelessness, with the majority wanting updates via email.

  2. The most preferred method for informing a neighborhood of a shelter or overnight camping area being sited or located nearby is a mailed informational flyer with project details.

  3. A one-mile radius around a proposed shelter or camping site is the most preferred distance for informing neighbors.

  4. The most common questions about homelessness that emerged centered on current services and resources, as well as the demographics of those currently experiencing homelessness locally. The second and third most common questions centered on camping and future or long-term plans and goals for camping policies.

  5. The top three suggestions for addressing homelessness included an increased focus on permanent housing options, alternative shelter options, and mental health or substance use resources.

Click here for the full results. 

 

Forest Grove School District Logo

Forest Grove School District Vaccination Clinics

The Forest Grove School District is working with Washington County Health to provide opportunities for families who wish to have their students, ages 5-12, receive the COVID-19 vaccination. This is completely voluntary and is not being mandated by the school district. A parent/guardian MUST be present in order for students to be vaccinated.

The first opportunity will be at Echo Shaw Elementary School on Thursday, November 18. The second opportunity will be at Cornelius Elementary School on Wednesday, November 24.  To sign up for either of these locations please register below. You will need to provide your first, second and third choice of times. Every effort will be made to schedule your student(s) at the time you prefer. 

FGSD Vaccination Clinic at Echo Shaw Elementary on Thursday, Nov. 18

FGSD Vaccination Clinic at Cornelius Elementary on Wednesday, Nov. 24

 

Centro Cultural Holiday Basket Information 

Centro Cultural's tradition of giving holiday baskets has been a staple in our community for years, and they seek the community's collaboration and generosity to make this year a success.  The 2021 Toy Drive + Food Basket Program directly benefits local families who experience hardships during the winter months. Last year they assisted 215 families and they are hoping to surpass that number this year.  

Please consider donating an item from their wish list for their Christmas Toy Collection 2021. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the program, register here.

For more information or to sign up for a donation, visit here

Centro Holiday Basket Donations

 

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:

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 ResourcesOregon 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 UpdatesFEMA has provided several different Fact Sheets and resources for accessing benefits, determining eligibility and avoiding scams.


 

VETERANS RESOURCES 

Veterans

 

Washington County Veterans Resources 

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

 

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


Governor

Emergency

Oregon Health Authority

CDC

Mt Hood

 

Yours truly,

Representative Susan McLain

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