Dear Friends and neighbors,
Happy Thanksgiving!
I wish all of you a relaxed, healthy day. Hoping you can take time to be with family or friends. I know we have all been through so much over the last couple of years. My blessings include my children, and grandchildren. I still have my health in tact. Everyday I try to find at least one item to be grateful for and a reason to smile. Masks outside have been lifted recently. That will hopefully make many smile.
Yesterday was a very productive meeting of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Committee with Legislators from Oregon and Washington in attendance. I chaired the meeting and we heard from the program administrator, Greg Johnson, about the progress being made on the project. You may view the hearing here or the presentation of information that we received here.
November 30th I will be chairing the Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee hearing, where the public will have an opportunity to comment on the latest report. If you are interested in watching or providing public comment, please visit here.
|
My children and grandchildren getting together for past Thanksgivings! Great memories!
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 new applications because of a lack of current funding. If you have already applied, the agency is still working on processing your application.
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, 90 days if they live in unincorporated Washington County, and 60 days if they live in other incorporated areas of the county (i.e. the City of Hillsboro, City of Beaverton, etc.).
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.
FROM SALEM
Judicial panel upholds Oregon Democrats’ new US congressional districts
*An excerpt from Oregon Public Broadcasting
A judicial panel has dismissed a challenge to congressional maps pushed through by Oregon Democrats in September, finding no evidence the plan is the result of illegal gerrymandering.
In a unanimous opinion Wednesday, the five-judge panel dismissed an attempt from Republicans to paint the map as a partisan hack job. Agreeing with attorneys for the state and a national Democratic group, judges instead ruled the plan was in line with historic congressional plans, and showed no evidence of overt political gamesmanship.
The panel was composed of Oregon judges, each from one of the state’s current five congressional districts. They were asked to rule on maps that redraw district lines and add a sixth district to reflect population growth tallied in the 2020 Census.
“Ultimately, the extensive record in this case establishes that, far from being motivated by partisan purpose, the Legislative Assembly drew the enacted map based on public input and neutral criteria — resulting in a fair map that was not drawn for a partisan purpose,” the panel wrote in its opinion.
Related: Oregon Supreme Court upholds new state House and Senate maps
From Washington, D.C.
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici provided a summary in her last Town Hall of what's in the Build Back Better Act that just passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate:
● $400 billion for Childcare and Preschool
○ High-quality universal Pre-K for 77,522 additional 3-4 year old children in Oregon
○ Lower childcare costs for lower-income families to no more than 7% of their annual income
○ Give childcare providers a living wage
○ Provide childcare services for 220,000 children ages 0-5 in Oregon!
○ Expand access to free school meals to an additional 83,000 students during the school year
○ Provide 286,821 students with resources to purchase food during the summer
● $555 billion in Climate and Clean Energy Investments
○ Reduce US greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030
○ Support domestic industry and create good-paying union jobs
● $40 billion for Higher Ed and Workforce Training
○ Increase Pell Grant awards by $550
○ Invest in workforce development programs in growing industries like: public health, child care, manufacturing, IT, and clean energy
● $150 billion for Housing and home/community care facilities
○ Expand rental assistance for Oregon renters
○ Rehabilitate +1 million affordable housing units nationwide
● $200 billion for the Child Tax and Earned Income Tax Credit
○ Up to $1500 in tax credits for working families with children making between $15,820-$50,954 per year, and qualifying couples without children.
○ Extend the Child Tax Credit increases to $300/month per child under 6, and $250/month per child ages 6-17
● $165 billion for the ACA and Medicare
○ Lower the price of prescription drugs and insulin
○ Expand Medicaid to cover 64,000 uninsured Oregonians
○ Invest in national pandemic preparedness
How will we pay for all of this?
● 15% Corporate Minimum Tax on Large Corporations
● Stock Buyback Tax
● International Corporate Tax Reform
● Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Surcharge on the Top .02%
● Repeal the prescription drug rebate rule
● Close the Medicare Tax Loophole
● IRS investments to Close the Tax Gap
● NOT by raising taxes for working families
COVID-19 UPDATES
Oregon lifts outdoor mask mandate and launches school Test to Stay program
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Pat Allen and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Colt Gill were joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger today to announce two new developments in the course of the pandemic: lifting outdoor mask mandates and launching the Test to Stay program in public and private schools.
Read the full story and watch the news conference on our blog.
COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 395, which is eight fewer than yesterday. There are 86 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is five fewer than yesterday.
There are 74 available adult ICU beds out of 682 total (11% availability) and 354 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,043 (9% availability).
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.
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. 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.
|
 |
Helpful tips for talking to friends and family about misinformation
The season of holiday gatherings is upon us and we encourage everyone to safely enjoy time with loved ones after a rough two years.
At some point, you may find yourself talking with friends or family about the pandemic and they begin sharing information that you know to be false.
Talking with someone who is sharing misinformation about COVID-19 can be frustrating and worrisome. Unfortunately, stopping the spread of that information is a tricky task that can cause hurt feelings, damage relationships and end friendships. But there are ways to go about it that may be more fruitful and hopefully less divisive. To learn more, read this story at Oregon Vaccine News.
VACCINE INFORMATION
COVID-19 booster doses authorized for people 18 and older
Everyone age 18 and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. Today, the Oregon Health Authority authorized pharmacies, health clinics and other vaccine providers in the state to begin administering boosters.
“Every adult who wants a booster can now get one and that is quite simply the extra layer of protection that we need,” said Rachael Banks, Public Health Director, Oregon Health Authority.
Read our fast facts or visit our boosters and third doses webpage for more information.
Continue reading this story at Oregon Vaccine News.
OHA releases new COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report
OHA’s most recent update on COVID-19 breakthrough cases, released today, found that 74.5% of the 5,924 reported COVID-19 cases between Nov. 7 and Nov. 13 occurred in unvaccinated people.
There were 1,508 breakthrough cases, accounting for 25.5% 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 37 cases in people aged 12 to 17.
To date, there have been 41,257 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 and a half times higher than in vaccinated people.
To date, 4.5% of all vaccine breakthrough cases have been hospitalized and 1.1% have died. The average age of vaccinated people who died was 81.
Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The number of vaccine breakthrough cases identified in Oregon remains very small when compared to the 2.9 million Oregonians who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The latest breakthrough report can be found here.
Seventy percent of people in Oregon have received a COVID-19 vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than seven in 10 people in Oregon of all age groups have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
|
|
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.
Mix and Match Approved: The CDC 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.
Around Washington County
Washington County Opens Emergency Winter Shelter for Harsh Weather Months
|
|
With new Supportive Housing Services funding, Washington County has expanded the Emergency Winter Shelter program to 187 beds for the most vulnerable members of our community during the harsh winter months from November 15, 2021 to March 15, 2022. The program offers emergency shelter to families, medically fragile individuals, and adults experiencing homelessness through a combination of congregate, shared space shelter settings and hotel vouchers.
The Washington County Supportive Housing Services program is collaborating closely with community-based service providers to deliver these new shelter programs, including:
Open Door HousingWorks, operating the Hillsboro winter shelter location;
Just Compassion, operating the Beaverton and Tigard winter shelter locations;
Family Promise of Washington County and Tualatin Valley administering hotel vouchers for families;
Project Homeless Connect administering hotel vouchers; and
Boys and Girls Aid providing shelter for youth.
People experiencing homelessness can sign up for winter shelter through Community Connect at 503-640-3263 or work with a housing case manager to get on the wait list. Guests of the emergency winter shelter program are connected to available housing resources including housing case managers and rent assistance to move people through shelters to stable housing as quickly as possible.
|
|
Ninth Annual Cornelius Holiday Tree Lighting
The City of Cornelius will hold its Ninth Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event on December 3, 2021, at Veterans Memorial Park at 6:00 PM.
The free event will include holiday songs sung by high school-aged students from the Forest
Grove High School Choir, Sunrise Church/Hillsboro and representatives of St. Alexander’s
Catholic Church in Cornelius. Songs will also be sung in Spanish. Prior to the official tree
lighting ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via a Cornelius Firetruck. There will be
individual bags of free candy canes and other candies for children and attendees. Santa Claus and Mayor Jef Dalin will kick off the holiday season by lighting the Holiday Tree at 6:10 PM.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting gatherings inside, they will not be singing at Cornelius
Elementary School this year. The Cornelius Youth Advisory Council will be accepting letters
to Santa Claus from area children!
|
EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT UPDATE
From the Oregon Employment Department
Helping Oregonians Get Back to Work
Even with Oregon experiencing record low unemployment, the Oregon Employment Department and its WorkSource Oregon partners continue helping workers find good jobs and employers find talented employees. WorkSource Oregon centers are offering job fairs and employer meet-and-greets across the state.
Here are just a few highlights of upcoming WorkSource Oregon events:
- “Meet the Employer” events are scheduled this month in Albany, Salem and Woodburn.
- A Veterans Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday December 4, in White City,
More information on these events and more are at WorkSourceOregon.org.
At WorkSource, you can:
- Register in iMatchSkills, Oregon’s largest job database
- Apply for jobs, sign up for trainings, develop a career plan and WorkSource Portfolio, and message WorkSource staff in My WorkSource
- Get a one-on-one career coach
- Match your interests and abilities to jobs you’d be good at and enjoy doing
- Learn about free training to help you advance in your career or learn a new industry
- Explore paid internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, GED programs, and college classes
- Take part in workshops on resumes, interviewing, networking, soft skills, applying for state jobs, and more
- Use computers, internet, phones, fax, copiers, and printers in our Resource Rooms
- Get help with housing, transportation, childcare, food, internet access, tuition, textbooks, school fees, identification, work clothes and tools, and more.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, our offices will be closed November 25-26. Because of the holiday, the UI and PUA contact centers will not be accepting inbound calls, benefits may be delayed, and claimants may not be able to see their claims online until Nov. 30. Thank you.
__________________________
Need assistance or have questions about your unemployment claim? Fill out the Contact Us form or visit unemployment.oregon.gov.
- Sign-up for our 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.
- We encourage you to reach out to your local WorkSource center for job search assistance and other free resources, or visit our resources web page to find help with rent, food, healthcare, and more.
WILDFIRE UPDATES AND RESOURCES
OEM and ODHS launch 2020 wildfire recovery campaign
An outreach campaign to directly connect 2020 wildfire survivors with resources to navigate an often complex recovery process is underway in impacted communities. A joint effort between OEM and the Oregon Dept. of Human Services, this call-to-action campaign provides a one-stop-shop to connect survivors with disaster case managers through a hotline and recovery website.
Wildfire Transition Assistance: 833-669-0554
www.wildfire.oregon.gov
In its role to provide mass care to disaster survivors, ODHS has provided emergency shelter in motels during the COVID pandemic. The agency looked for partners to group survivors in fewer locations to provide better support and help survivors build connections with others in similar circumstances. ODHS entered a partnership with Fortify Holdings for alternatives; Fortify quickly purchased motels to provide stable shelter for survivors in Jackson, Lane and Lincoln counties.
ODHS is now renting from just three commercial motels; five Fortify properties and two Turnkey projects are providing the remaining motel-based shelter. Over time, the Fortify properties will convert to apartments, creating much-needed long-term housing for the communities and survivors.
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.
VETERANS RESOURCES
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
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
| 
