Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to December! I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving with family and friends. For those that celebrate, I want to wish you a Happy Hanukkah as well.
Thanksgiving is always a great time to reflect on all we are grateful for, and December brings extra opportunities for considering the spirit of giving and how we can contribute to the needs of family, friends, and community members. I have added a list of ways that you can give back to our local community in the "Around Washington County" section of this newsletter. There are always food pantries, giving trees, and community organizations in need of assistance. If you know of other ways to give back, please feel free to respond to this newsletter and share the information. I want to amplify the spirit of giving and of supporting one another this December.
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December at the Capitol!
I spent this afternoon and will also spend tomorrow morning at the 2021 Annual Tribal‐State Government‐to‐Government Summit. This year's theme is “Learning from Each Other: Building on Lessons Learned in a Challenging Year”. I really look forward to this event every year, as it is a great opportunity to learn more about each of our tribes and to understand how the tribal government and state governments work together in cooperation. I will be attending panels on developments in behavioral health policy, forest and fire management, managing fish and water resources, and about working together to manage Covid-19.
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SPECIAL SESSION ANNOUNCED FOR DEC. 13
Yesterday Governor Kate Brown announced that she is calling the Legislature to convene a special session on December 13, 2021.
In June, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 278 nearly unanimously to create a 60-day safe harbor for tenants who were waiting in line for rental assistance after the statewide eviction moratorium expired. But application processing times at many local community action agencies have been significantly longer than expected back in June.
This means more than 10,000 Oregon households are at risk of timing out of their safe harbor protections and facing eviction for nonpayment simply because of administrative delays in processing their applications. Other states facing this problem, like Minnesota and Nevada, have passed bipartisan legislation to create safe harbor policies for tenants with pending applications.
Additionally, nearly all federal rental assistance has been committed to tenants in need, even as the pandemic continues.
No one should face eviction while rental assistance is on the way. That's why it's critical we show up and work together to find solutions.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEADLINE DEC. 1
The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program will pause accepting new applications for a minimum of six weeks beginning Wednesday, December 1 at 11:59pm.
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.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Here’s what we know today about Omicron
The news of the Omicron variant emerging in several countries may cause many people anxiety about the unknown. The news comes on top of pandemic fatigue, as cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue, and as we continue to deal with nearly two year’s worth of disruptions to our daily lives.
And while it may feel like we are back at square one, we are not. We now have highly effective tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection.
In clinical trials, molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization by 30% when given to high-risk, unvaccinated patients infected with COVID-19. The treatment should be given within five days of the emergence of symptoms.
Those at high risk include people who are older and those who have medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease.
If approved, supply of molnupiravir is expected to be limited at first. Treatment is expected to be available to eligible Oregonians in the upcoming weeks.
The Oregon Health Authority’s distribution plan is centered on equity to ensure those disproportionately affected by the pandemic have access to appropriate treatment.
While treatments are beginning to emerge, vaccination continues to be the most effective way to guard against severe disease caused by COVID-19.
COVID By the Numbers in Oregon:
Oregon reports 2,598 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 27 new deaths
COVID-19 hospitalizations: The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 396, which is 21 more than yesterday. There are 91 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, with no change from yesterday.
There are 68 available adult ICU beds out of 679 total (10% availability) and 368 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,092 (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 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
CDC recommends booster doses for everyone age 18 and older
With the emergence of the Omicron variant in several countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthened its recommendation for booster doses on Nov. 29, 2021. The CDC now recommends everyone age 18 and older should get a booster dose when they are eligible: six months after the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and two months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Previously booster doses were highly recommended for certain groups of people and were simply made available to other groups of people based on their own assessment of risk. Yesterday’s decision strengthens the recommendation to include all eligible adults.
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
Forest Grove/Hillsboro Winter Break Dates
As a teacher, I always looked forward to Winter Break and I know my students did too! It's a great chance to recharge, connect with family and friends, and enjoy some outdoor activities. This year, both Hillsboro and Forest Grove School Districts have official Winter Break from December 20-31, with students returning on Monday, January 3rd.
UNA NOCHE DE BIENESTAR
The Bienestar tradition lives on! Join everyone for a captivating evening that will bring the community together through Latinx music, art, and culture. Latinx performers will take the stage to honor Bienestar’s legacy of affordable housing, immigrant rights advocacy, and community solidarity.
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Click below for the Washington County Chamber's Holiday Guide!
RENEW EXPIRED LICENSES BY DEC. 1
If you’ve got an expired Oregon license or vehicle registration, it’s time to consider booking an Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle appointment — fast. The grace period to renew already-expired licenses and registrations is coming to an end Dec. 31.
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:
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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.
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
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